lead by example

I want to live my life to the fullest, and lead by example. I'm by no means close to great. Not by a long shot, and I don't expect to be. I fall short of it in so many ways, each and every day. But you know what? That's ok. Imperfection is what makes us great, and stronger. I'm thankful for the opportunities I've been given, and that includes the opportunity to fail. I belive some of life's greatest lessons are learned through failure. Whatever makes us grow and become a stronger person, is a good thing. You have to love yourself. And that's the bottom line.

Lead by example. That's huge. It's a mature concept. And I'm just getting it, I'm 32 years old. You can't fake happiness. And my heart is telling me you can't sneak it in, in a five minute 'down time' snuggle, and think it will have profound effect. Two very important pieces have to be present - your heart AND your mind.

I had a wonderful evening with the girls last night (Kyla, Shannon, and TJ) and the topic of 'life's too short' came up. Our ears perked up as we each contributed our thoughts. We each agreed on the importance of capturing the togetherness of a family - for the pure and simple idea that life is precious and amazing. And can be taken away. I have so few pictures of myself with our sweet kids, and I'm guilty of not capturing the same of my husband, Rod. I say I'm busy. But it's important, and I vow to do it more often. I lost my dad when I was 12, and we don't have a family portrait. I'm sure somewhere there's a photo with all of us in it - but I can't remember one with just the five of us. And we were a crazy in love family.

I want to lead by example. I want to do good for others while respecting my self, and my family. I want to value time more. More family time. More hugs without stuff weighing on my mind. Because in the end, the stuff doesn't matter.

But the hugs do.

I want to look like this one day. And I want family all around me, that smiles from their heart, and enjoys each other's company ... as this beautiful family did the day I photographed them. She's even leaning IN to him. I'm so blessed to be asked to capture these moments, they make me strive to be a better person. You know what else? The red couch? It used to belong to my grandma and grandpa, who were amazing together. She's passed away, and he has remarried, but in the day - they were great. Nothing short of amazing. I love this couch, and the memory it holds for me. I love this shot.