I'm calling it Decadent December, I said to them as we walked back to our cars. I'm spending this month living decadently and endulging on friends and family. On, not with. Yes, I plan on doing everything in my power to soak up as much time with my loved ones because, well, I've missed them. These past couple of months have been crazy and I haven't been the type of friend/daughter/sister/wife as I'd like to be, so I've committed myself to a month of doing whatever I must to overendulge in long lunches, weekends together, and/or quiet walks on the beach.
The first event of Decadent December was a weekend with my family in Lake Arrowhead (more on that later), but yesterday I woke up very early and headed to San Diego for brunch with the J* Jets (a name coined after their creativeLIVE experience last April). We enjoyed a great meal then headed to La Jolla and spent the afternoon sitting at the beach, listening to sea lions roar. Sea lions roar, right?
We most spoke about life (and stuffed french toast, bird walking, and child zombies), but one thing we openly discussed was success. Namely, what it looks like. Of course, no one had a clear definition because we realized success looked different for each of us based on our goals. We stressed the importance of outlining our goals so when we achieved them, we wouldn't look around and feel like it wasn't enough. I mean, in a world of never-enough, it's easy to feel dissatisfied even if the very thing you dreamt of was sitting in front of you.
Success is a self-defined word, but in order to articulate what it means, you must figure it out for yourself. Stop looking at what others have done and think it'll never be you…because it won't. That was them, but this is you. If success is making just enough to stay at home with your kids and walk them to school every day, say it. If success is working a full-time job and shooting a wedding once a month, say it. If success is being published for your work, say it. Define your goals and when you're lucky enough to achieve them, revel in your success and know–for that moment–your cup is full.
Many thanks to the J* Jets for making me see just how full my cup is to call them friends…
Ashley Goodwin – Oahu, Hawaii – Wedding Photographer…
Candice Benjamin – Orange County, California – Wedding Photographer…
Tim King – San Diego, California – Event and Wedding Photographer…
Erin Oveis-Brant – San Diego, California – Children and Family Photographer…
Anthony Quesada – San Francisco, California – Wedding Photographer…
Christy Cropper – Las Vegas, Nevada – Family and Children's Photographer…
Jasmine Star – Orange County, California – Wedding Photographer…
We promised to connect with each other next December to see if we reached the goals we set for ourselves…I'm thrilled to see what's in store for this amazing group of friends and I have no doubt the future is limitless if we dream big enough.
If you'd like to check out the Jasmine Star/creativeLIVE online photography courses, you can check out the year-end sale by CLICKING HERE. Happy Monday, y'all!
