Things I've Learned This Week

1. I said goodbye to my 27th year this week. Moving into 28, I'm focusing on bringing all the good things into my life. I learned that even though I've gone through a lot of heartache and pain this year, I had far more adventures and grateful moments than dark ones.

2. This week I went to my first Inspire Midtown event, called Minute Mentoring. I started following Inspire Midtown on Instagram just a couple weeks ago, but when I saw their mentoring event I didn't waste any time in buying my ticket. The event started at 6pm with refreshments and mingling. I got there just after 6pm and right away started panicking, telling myself I got there way too early and would feel awkward wandering around the venue for thirty minutes waiting for the organized part of the night to begin. But then sweet Jordan walked right up to me and started making conversation. She was kind and genuine and put my social anxiety right at ease. I was so energized by the whole evening. I'm already working on that inspiration to make new connections and walk down new roads. I learned that the discomfort only lasts for a period of time, and that the reward is so much greater.

3. I've been slowly making my way through The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle, over the last several weeks. I'm trying to find that balance between actively job searching and the stress/anxiety that comes along with it, and the ability to stay in the Now and realize that I am provided for by the universe in this moment. I have a feeling this will be a life long learning experience...

xxo

Twenty Seven

Today I turn 28. The past year has been the most difficult year of my life. I've gone through change and heartbreak, pain and sadness. And although I could write a quite lengthy post about it all, I'm choosing to reflect back on the good things of twenty seven...

In April I drove down to Los Angeles by way of Highway 1 for the first time. I passed through Big Sur, stopped countless times to take pictures, and saw dozens of hawks along the way. I went for a floral water coloring and beginning calligraphy class a woman I found through Instagram was offering. 

This is one of my favorite shots of the whole year. AND it's from before I started editing my photos with lightroom, so it's even more magical untouched/unedited

I took several trips to San Francisco

I went backpacking for the first time!

Back to SF

Spent two beautiful weeks in Manhattan

And explored Baltimore for the first time

Took many trips to Apple Hill

Went to an awesome conference hosted by Brit+Co

Went on several gorgeous hikes in the greater Sacramento area

Yankee Jim's Bridge

Hidden Falls

Pt. Reyes

Explored more of my own city

And then back to SF

I started doing more photoshoots with local events, Arden Hot Yoga, and friends and family that would let me use them as test subjects.

I've been so focused lately on all of my anxiety and frustration with finding a new job. But putting this post together has reminded me just how fortunate I am. Even though I'm broke, often in pain, and anxious for the future...right now, I am ok-better than ok. Years ago I saw a license plate that read: Too Blessed to be Stressed. And I have far too much to complain as much as I do.

Here's to twenty eight bringing more adventures, greater challenges, and a greater peace of mind.

xxo

The Ultimate Measure of a Woman

A couple years ago when I was visiting New York I took the train to Washington D.C. for the day. I went through the Holocaust Museum, walked by The White House, saw the Lincoln Memorial, and walked through the Martin Luther King Junior memorial. There were these giant walls with various MLK quotes on them. 

This one in particular struck me in that moment, and has stayed with me ever since:

"The ultimate measure of a [woman] is not where [she] stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where [she] stands at times of challenge and controversy"

I use this quote somewhat regularly in the yoga classes I teach. It so beautifully goes along with the teachings of yoga that you are exactly where you are supposed to be, and that everything happens for a reason. 

In my experience, it's easier to believe in this philosophy when things are comfortable and convenient. It's far more difficult to trust your circumstances when they are dark and difficult. But MLK knew it, and I think we all know it deep down inside, that we grow and learn in times of challenge and controversy. We can choose to show up for ourselves, or to wallow in the pain. 

I choose to stand up and show up for myself. 

xxo

Sacramento Proud

Last night I went to my first Kings game at the new Golden 1 Center. The arena is great. I love how open it feels, and that you can see either the game or the jumbo screen basically from wherever you are. More than that though, I enjoyed an evening with my brothers. 

I've been feeling like getting out of Sacramento for a while might be a next step for me. I've lived here my whole life, never even leaving for college. Sometimes I regret not going away to college. But mostly I can see the purpose in staying in Sacramento, finishing my degrees, and working in the capacities I have as a nanny and yoga teacher. 

And while I'm still here, I'm going to do my best to celebrate all that this city has to offer. It's so exciting to me, all of the things going on here in Sacramento. There's amazing food, music, events, networking, coffee spots...So much good stuff. 

I also ran into this beauty and her husband, which was the cherry on top to my evening. 

xxo

Speak Your Truth

All things considered, I'm still very new to photography. I'm constantly working on building my knowledge and skills, looking at other people's work, watching tutorials and reading articles. As a novice, it can feel intimidating and "pretentious" to call myself a photographer. I doubt my skills; I don't want to include myself in the same arena as those more skilled and experienced as I am; I feel like those who are better will look at me claiming to be a photographer and laugh...

I am a photographer. Whether or not I share my pictures; whether or not I get paid for taking them; whether or not they're "good enough" for others. Artistry doesn't require you to be successful by other's standards, or well-known, or popular. Artistry is about listening to your intuition, finding a way to express yourself, coping with life in celebrating the good and deconstructing/processing the difficult...And I'm choosing to use my beginner status as a positive. It makes me hungry to learn more, to grow, to challenge myself, to put myself out there looking for jobs (paid or not).

About a month ago I created an online portfolio (you can find the link through one of the main tabs on this blog). This week the new Arden Hot Yoga website went live, and the headshots I took are out there for the world to see. I'm proud and excited by it. I've added it to my online portfolio of my work. But more than that I am thankful for this new outlet for my creativity, my emotions, my passions, and my life.

xxo