December 5, 2016 - it's the final 5 on 5 of the year! I've loved having the opportunity to take part in this no pressure photo project with like-minded photo friends. It has gently forced me to actually shoulder my camera as I head out the door and take photos just for me, just for fun. Thanks for joining us this year.
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I am a December baby so it seems appropriate to end the year with a birthday post, of sorts.
I have been making a concerted effort this year to focus my attention on choosing carefully my path forward, both professionally and personally. After reading about "essentialism" earlier this year, I've begun to embrace Greg McKeown's ideas for extreme criteria when setting boundaries and making choices - basically, if it's not hell yes then it's no. It's a way of being more selective so that your life is filled with work and experiences that bring you joy.
(Firefly Institute Photo Camp, November 2016)
As I enter a new decade, this is an idea that resonates deeply for me. No more wasting time waffling over what to do and how to accomplish it. I'm surrounded by accomplished, amazing people - creatives, photographers, business experts - and there's no excuse for not tapping into their skill and experience to help me move forward.
(Firefly Institute Photo Camp, November 2016)
I want to feel focused and productive but with plenty of room to breathe, making time to feel connected with my family and friends and actively pursuing the things that keep me sane.
Like this. I must have walked in Sausalito hundreds of times over the years and have probably taken photos of the boats reflecting in the water dozens of times. But it brings me deep peace, especially when it's a walk on my birthday with my visiting parents - two of the most inspirational people I know.
And time, even, to take a tongue-in-cheek photo with the appropriate number on the boat lockers where I have taken many previous birthday photos in my years since moving to California.
Looking askance at that number, I know that it IS just a number. I've been reinventing myself and my career for many years and that won't stop just because I've reached some sort of banner age.
I'm ready, are you ready? We got this.
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Please visit the lovely Stephanie Smith (S.L. Smith Photography) next for her final 5 on 5 post of the year, then click on to the next person in our blog roll (and so on...) to see where we've all been and what we've seen.
cheers,
kim