A very popular instagram educator posted a live yesterday that I really connected with and prompted me to write this blog. I was scrolling, looking for reel ideas when I saw her red face and tears flowing. She began to describe her internal conflict between passionately loving her job and overworking herself to the point of severe and extreme exhaustion. She was showing up constantly for her customers and audience in fear that if she took a break she would let them down; not soon enough though, she realized the people she was really letting down, were those in her home.
This was me and photography not that long ago.
I have a fire in my belly for photography and always will. Like it lights my soul on fire and make me feel alive; so much so that I said yes all the time. I would act like I was going to limit sessions to 10 or 15 and then I would just open them up again. Some people might think, this was for income but I was never fueled by that. Most years I had no clue what I made until we did our taxes - thats the truth.
During the sessions themselves I would feel full of joy but after, behind the scenes I was drowning in editing, emails, and my nervous system was constantly on overdrive. I went years owing pictures and feeling like I was suffocating myself with something I loved with people I loved and my family was getting the leftovers.
Recently you may have noticed I'm not announcing many mini-sessions or taking on many new clients and I want to share with you it's not because my passion is less for photography, it's because I was killing myself. Boundaries are so important and I encourage you to evaluate where in your life you can create more space for air, even if it means cutting back on something you love for something you love more. Boundaries are tough and slowing down is hard but if you don't, you'll realize you gave all of yourself and in the end couldn't even do your best, due to an explainable tired.
Sure, most of you know I started another business but this isn't about that; that other income just allowed me to see what I was doing to myself and I am forever thankful for that clarity.
Moving forward I will be doing more and more selective weddings that fit my style. My big yeses will be for weddings and engagements. Thats where I belong. That's what I'm best at, and I recognize that. I will be taking mini-sessions for my All Access Members who purchased this past winter and most likely will only be offering two other mini-session opportunities this year. Serving my families through photography has brought so much purpose to my life but doing it 7 days a week was killing me. When I do post mini-sessions, you'll be the first to know.
Some of you are more loyal than a puppy and I appreciate you to the ends of the earth.
Learn a lesson from me: No matter what it is in your life that is stealing your peace, put a big 'ole God sized boundary around it. People will love you anyway. Don't let the fear of taking a breath stop you from breathing.
0 Comments