Appreciate Yourself!

Hello! Happy December!!

As we come to the end of the year I have spent the last week really reflecting on the last 2 years. This blog/newsletter today is going to be a bit different than usual, a little long winded and probably a little deep. I hope you stay along for the ride because I think it is worth the read.

The last two years one of my goal/resolutions along with 7,000 other expectations I set for myself was to live my life fully and be unapologetically myself in all my relationships including the one with myself. It has been much harder than I thought and I think this is going to be my resolution every year for the rest of my life so I can Continue working on this part of myself. As a people pleaser and always worried what someone may think I tend to shy away from saying something I feel in the worry that I might upset them. But F*ck that haha I just end up causing internal turmoil.

As I said I also always have 7,000 goals for myself and expect a lot. If you are still with me and you are reading along this may resonate with you and that is one reason I am writing this. I know I am not the only one that lives their life this way.

I recently was in a webinar that talked about self compassion and I learned on a scale of 1- 10 I have about a 1/10 for myself and 8/10 for everyone in my life. I don't judge them for trying and failing or if something doesn't work out the way they expected. I look at them in awe thinking how great they did, amazing for trying something new or overcoming something with such grace even if they stumbled through. Yet with myself if I don't hit my goal or something doesn't work out exactly the way I want I sit and wonder what I did wrong what I could have done better. This goes for personally, professionally and in my business... I took a step back and reflected on my life and I am going to have a little more f*cking compassion for myself. I think we all should!

I look back on the last two years and we have gone through major life changes, jobs, careers, having a baby, moving, renovating and in all that I have still continued to grow my passion for photography and grow my business. Yet I was beating myself up the whole time thinking I wasn't doing good enough. So I have decided enough is enough it's time to start treating myself like I would my best friend! Be my own woo girl, let myself fall a little without judgement and be more proud of the accomplishments I have made. I truly have to thank so many people in my life that are constantly in my corner cheering me on through my chaotic life juggling kids, husband, a full time job and this little business. I would have talked myself out of this years ago if I didn't have the support I do.

So if nothing over the holidays give yourself a damn break and be proud of whatever the fuck you got going on. Take the compassion you have for your friends and family and give yourself the same respect!

"Remember you have been criticizing yourself for years and that hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens" -Louise L Hay.

If you are still here with all my rambling... thank you! and from my family to yours Merry Christmas and Happy New Year or whatever you are up to celebrating!