Charting My Path: Recently, I stepped out of my photography business, but it didn’t feel right. I’ve decided to fully commit to my true passions—my photography business and my beloved home life.
In this stage of our family journey, we’re navigating a phase where our kids are growing up. Porter is a senior, Liam is a sophomore, and Oliver is in fourth grade. Jared stays busy with work, and I’m engrossed in the photography business. Both boys are actively involved in band activities, and we’re cherishing this phase of life. We’re charting our path as a family.
A lesser-known fact: I now have a studio! Our garage has transformed into a beautiful studio and cozy sitting area. The excitement is palpable as I prepare to welcome my first clients to the studio in mid-October.
Although venturing out to work was refreshing, I’m committing to spending more time outside our home. For stay-at-home moms and those of us with solitary work, being social and venturing out is vital. Even a trip to the library or a coffee shop offers a refreshing change of scenery, which I’ve found to be invigorating.
It’s been a while since my last blog post, and truth be told, it feels a bit unfamiliar. Yet, I’m eager to reignite my writing spirit. Journaling, too, has taken a back seat, despite its importance for my mental well-being and life perspective.
Embarking on a Goal-Setting Journey
On the path of personal growth, setting and achieving goals is like navigating with a compass—it keeps you on track and moving forward. Here are some valuable tips to guide you:
1. Define Clear Goals: Your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Clearly state what you want to achieve, how you’ll measure your progress, and set deadlines to stay accountable.
2. Break Down Your Goals: Large goals can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller, achievable tasks or milestones. Celebrate each small victory; they build momentum and keep you motivated.
3. Prioritize Self-Care: Your well-being is paramount. Make self-care a priority—physical exercise, mindfulness, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep. A healthy body and mind are the foundation of success.
Furthermore, commit to lifelong learning. Read books, take online courses, attend workshops, or listen to educational podcasts. Expand your knowledge and skill set to stay relevant and adaptable.
Charting My Path: Navigating Towards a Brighter Future
In this phase, I’m actively working towards several goals:
Firstly, I aim to establish a cleaning schedule for our home. Beyond the essential chores, I’ve somewhat neglected keeping our living space neat and tidy. I miss the orderliness and cleanliness, and I’m determined to restore it for our family promptly.
Another goal of mine is charting my path to return to daily journaling, preferably on paper. Journaling is a vital tool in my mental health toolkit. It allows me to pour out my thoughts and emotions, providing a fresh start each day.
Furthermore, I’m committed to improving my physical health. I’ve made progress, shedding 24 pounds since December, but I’ve hit a plateau lately. I realize there’s room for improvement—I haven’t been exercising as consistently, and my diet could be healthier. So, there’s an opportunity to refocus and work on it.
In addition, I’m in the process of growing out my hair and have adopted a new haircare routine. I’ve managed to extend the time between washes to every other day. Although my goal is to wash my hair only twice a week, I acknowledge it might take some time to achieve that fully.
Lastly, I’m recommitting myself to blogging. It’s been too long, and while I’ve never been a fan of batch writing sessions, I’m open to the idea. For now, my main objective is to return to regular writing—I’ve missed connecting with you all. This new version of charting my path is a welcome change in life.
That’s all for now.
Love,
Caroline
