stepping away

Just a little heads up. . .  I'll be stepping away from blogging more often this year in order to accomplish a few personal goals that have been on the back burner for far too long. Lately, life seems to be going at a much faster pace than it used to, leaving me short of time at the end of most days. I've been analyzing how I spend my time each day and have realized that in order to accomplish what is most important to me right now, I am going to have to let go of some things that are less important.  Unfortunately, blogging has slipped down the priority list a bit and qualifies as one of those 'less important' things. While I love having a reason to take photos on a daily basis, sometimes I put blogging ahead of other things that have more meaning in my life. In a nutshell, you might not see as many posts from me this year, but hopefully those that you do see will still be enjoyable. 

orange you cute

letting go of {others} expectations

Last night, I was taking a photo of the falling snow just outside my window. They were so beautiful. The contrast of the dried-up, golden leaves and the dark brown branches was stunning to me. I downloaded the image on my computer and sat back and admired it. I thought it was so pretty. And then it hit me.... Will anyone else think it's pretty? Is it silly for me to post a picture like this? Are the colors too dreary, now that it's almost Spring. My mind went on and on and on. The truth is, I've fallen into a bit of a trap lately. It's something that is easy to do in the blogging world. Trying to make your blog posts interesting to ALL of your viewers. Worrying if they're good enough. Second-guessing the choices of pictures that you post. Doing things just because other people do. Comparing your blog to other blogs that you follow...etc, etc. I first started to blog about a year ago with the intention of using my blog as an excuse to practice my photography skills. Back then, I really didn't care much about what anyone else would think about my blog. Frankly, I didn't think anyone would really view my blog. But, a year later, things are a little different. Now I get occasional written comments on my posts as well as verbal comments from people who follow me. They are always nice and complimentary, but it has caused me to worry a bit more about the quality of my posts. Which, when I really stop and think about it, is nothing to worry about. If people follow me, it's because they are genuinely interested in my blog. Right?? No need to sweat about it. The poet John Lydgate said, "You can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time." I believe this to be true. And so, I have posted my falling snow picture proudly today. Because it is beautiful to me. And that is reason enough....

A New Perspective

This year I turned 47. I don't know if it is a mid-lif-crisis-kind-of-thing or if I'm just going through a weird phase. I've been thinking a lot about life and how it's passing by so quickly. When I lay down in bed at night I often find myself wondering where the day has gone. Sure I accomplished the things on my "list", but did I really pay attention to the events of the day. Did I soak it all in? Did I notice the small things? The answer is NO, NO, and a resounding NO!

So I have made a change in my life this year. A change in my jam-packed, splitting at the seams, over-stuffed, over-flowing life. Yes, I have decided to simplify.

This hasn't come without a little complaining and a lot of inner turmoil. I've had to pick and choose the things I really want to do. I've had to stop doing some things I enjoy in order to create some down time that is filled with absolutely nothing. I've also had to learn to say No (which is very hard for me). I've been concentrating more on living in the moment and noticing the small things in life and the joy that they bring me. I think these changes have made me a much more "present" and relaxed person.

I know I can't control all of the demands on my time, but I vow to control those things that are in my power. This may sound a little selfish, but I think in the end I will be able to give more of myself because there will be more of me to give. It's time to replenish myself and live Life Simplified.

And so, with that in mind . . . . I present this little post as my very first official blog post! This is all new to me, but it's not too late to try something new . . . right?