That’s what I’m calling my recent experience… The Simplicity Project.  Because, you know, it sounds much cooler than cutting back.  I am a project girl- I love them.  In the past year I have taken on many, many projects and they have all been amazing experiences for me that have allowed me to grow.  However, as soon as my busy senior season kicked into high gear, it became ever so apparent that this girl had far too much on her plate and not enough time in the day to accomplish even a portion of the daily tasks that needed tending to.

I had to get real with myself and ask myself a very tough question, “What do you want?”  That may not seem like a tough question, but for me, it was. Because I want many things.  It’s the dreamer in me.  So having to prioritize my dreams and narrow the scope of focus was a very tough task for me to tackle.

What became obvious over the past few weeks was that I had taken on so many individual side projects, I had left zero time for the three things I love most: my family, photography and writing.  I had scheduled myself so full that I had no time for family getaways and trips to the pool, photo shoots or tackling my novel, for that matter.  And this was a serious problem.

I have worked my tail off since 2007 for my photography business.  I have made so many sacrifices, endured many sleepless nights and pushed through so many business struggles that I never imagined I would face.  And I did it all for one reason: my love and passion for photography and my clients.  Being a photographer has been such a blessing in my life, I absolutely LOVE what I do and I am so grateful to call this my job.  So, feeling like I didn’t have time for something I have worked so hard for just wasn’t right.

Sadly, I had to step down as Co-Editor-in-Chief from Denim+Grace Magazine, which was heartbreaking.  The adventures of self-publishing was a great mix of laughter, tears, stress and inspiration.  I have such fond memories of this experience, but I know that stepping down was the right decision for me, my family and my business.  Denim+Grace is such an amazing resource for photographers and I cannot wait to see where it goes from here, I know it’s in great hands with Heather.  :)

The other projects I had my hands in actually have nothing to do with photography, but they weren’t any easier to step away from.  But if I have learned anything about myself in my thirty-two years, it’s to trust my instincts.  They’ve never led me astray.  So, that’s what I’m doing.  I’m trusting myself to know what is best for me and feel secure and comfort in these decisions.  And I already feel that a great deal of weight has been lifted from my shoulders- which is exactly what I needed.

For the remainder of 2013, this girl is focused on three key things: Family, Photography & Writing.  Because those are the three things that I need in my life that bring me immense joy. My air…  Much Love!!