new years "resolutions" - a little late.
I am quick to find faults in myself -- whether stated or unstated, I've always struggled with many insecurities about who I am {my personality, things I wish I were better at, my confidence, etc..} It's easy to write words on a page, but what if I could speak my mind better in person? What if I had the same gifts that that person has? What if I could be more like so and so?
You get the idea.
Then, there's the struggle of whether these are valid insecurities at all {everyone could use improvement, right?} or if I'm fighting the person that God made me. I guess you could argue a little bit of both.
That being said, it's easy for me to come up with "resolutions" or things I'd like to improve on. Honestly, I was on an airplane New Year's Eve and not feeling so great New Years day, so I haven't really sat down and thought about some things I would like to do in the new year.... until now. I kind of hate the idea of setting a goal that I could potentially fail at and then leave myself feeling completely defeated. But, I love the idea of a fresh start, a clean slate. It can be so easy for me to beat myself up and feel like I can never change, I've made too many mistakes or "I am who I am" and should just deal with it.
So, here are a few things I was thinking about that I feel like are attainable and good.
1.) Being more intentional with relationships - This is something that's hard for me. There are lists of people I would love to make time for. I constantly find myself making excuses as to why this is not possible. I tell myself I am too busy working, managing a household and parenting three kids. Or, that I'm just not good at making friends because I am too quiet. Not that these things aren't somewhat "valid" excuses, but in the end I feel like relationships are the most important thing. So what if I don't get the house spotless or have to run that errand tomorrow instead of today?
My first step was inviting my nieces over last night. I've been meaning to invite them over for a year since we moved into our new house. Meaning to doesn't make a difference. I need to make time. So, that's what I have to do. The kids had a blast playing together, we grilled hotdogs and made s'mores over the fire pit! It was a blast and will happen again.
The next step is having more people over or maybe taking a lunch break to have coffee with a friend. Or, get involved in a Bible study or group at church. These things may take me out of my comfort zone, but I feel this is an area that I really need to work on.
2.) Spending more time in the Word - I go through phases where I'm really diligent and then I'm not. No excuses here. This is priority one!
3.) A photo a day - I want to continue to learn and grow photography wise. For the first month, I want to take a photo each day of each kid - whether it be posed or candid {preferably candid}, I'd like to document them, who they are. In the mean time I'll be looking for some cool ideas for the rest of the year, but the idea is to take me out of my element and photograph things I wouldn't normally or to look at things in a different light.
So, there's my ideas. I'd love to hear your thoughts or what your resolutions are!
You get the idea.
Then, there's the struggle of whether these are valid insecurities at all {everyone could use improvement, right?} or if I'm fighting the person that God made me. I guess you could argue a little bit of both.
That being said, it's easy for me to come up with "resolutions" or things I'd like to improve on. Honestly, I was on an airplane New Year's Eve and not feeling so great New Years day, so I haven't really sat down and thought about some things I would like to do in the new year.... until now. I kind of hate the idea of setting a goal that I could potentially fail at and then leave myself feeling completely defeated. But, I love the idea of a fresh start, a clean slate. It can be so easy for me to beat myself up and feel like I can never change, I've made too many mistakes or "I am who I am" and should just deal with it.
So, here are a few things I was thinking about that I feel like are attainable and good.
1.) Being more intentional with relationships - This is something that's hard for me. There are lists of people I would love to make time for. I constantly find myself making excuses as to why this is not possible. I tell myself I am too busy working, managing a household and parenting three kids. Or, that I'm just not good at making friends because I am too quiet. Not that these things aren't somewhat "valid" excuses, but in the end I feel like relationships are the most important thing. So what if I don't get the house spotless or have to run that errand tomorrow instead of today?
My first step was inviting my nieces over last night. I've been meaning to invite them over for a year since we moved into our new house. Meaning to doesn't make a difference. I need to make time. So, that's what I have to do. The kids had a blast playing together, we grilled hotdogs and made s'mores over the fire pit! It was a blast and will happen again.
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| Mel and I already decided we have to "redo" this shot with the twins. Also, move the names lower and make them bigger. I saw a piece of chalk and this idea popped in my head instantly. I just need to execute better! |
The next step is having more people over or maybe taking a lunch break to have coffee with a friend. Or, get involved in a Bible study or group at church. These things may take me out of my comfort zone, but I feel this is an area that I really need to work on.
2.) Spending more time in the Word - I go through phases where I'm really diligent and then I'm not. No excuses here. This is priority one!
3.) A photo a day - I want to continue to learn and grow photography wise. For the first month, I want to take a photo each day of each kid - whether it be posed or candid {preferably candid}, I'd like to document them, who they are. In the mean time I'll be looking for some cool ideas for the rest of the year, but the idea is to take me out of my element and photograph things I wouldn't normally or to look at things in a different light.
 |
| Well, I saw this scene and had to take this photo. This is so typical of our family during "down time". Jeremiah has his eye on me always, Silas is on his iPhone playing a game, Dusty is doing something on the laptop and Eli is watching. E is our watcher - perfectly content to observe everyone else. |
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| Eli can also be a loner. Don't get me wrong, he and Si are the best of friends - but if he is not playing with Silas or watching him do something, I will often find him escaped in his room on his phone, watching a movie or playing with his toys. I am more and more amazed at how this kid can be Dusty and how he can be me. He is very social, but he can also be very quiet and content. |
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| Baby Jeremiah is just learning to sit completely on his own, without toppling over. He is so proud. |
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| This is obviously posed. I wanted to capture his toothless grin. I love how he pushes his tongue against the empty space, but you can't tell with the photo in black and white. This child is beautiful, inside and out ... I love everything about him {even if he is growing up WAY too fast} |
So, there's my ideas. I'd love to hear your thoughts or what your resolutions are!
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