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Success.

Someone recently asked me, "Define what success means to you." I've been mulling over the phrase ever since. If you know me in the slightest, you know I love working. It's my passion. It's my drive. I sometimes still can't believe that I get to do what I do. But despite all of that, it's not what makes me feel successful. Looking over my life, especially the past three years, I can pinpoint moments where I felt most successful and truly felt the most genuine happiness, and it has nothing to do with my career. I've realized success to me is having real, deep, genuine relationships. People to laugh with, cry with, sharpen you, challenge you, and to simply acknowledge your importance that you exist. Whether we're living paycheck to paycheck, or bringing in more income than ever. Whether I'm booking more than I can possibly handle or not booking anything for months at a time. The most successful times in my life are when my relationships are flourishing. Whether with friends, family, or my husband. Since being asked this simple question, it's really altered my way of thinking. I've always been extremely passionate about maintaining healthy relationships with those you hold dearly, but it's been a real priority shifting couple of months for me. As I'm closing in on the busiest wedding season I've ever had, I'm proud to say looking back from May-October, relationships have taken number one priority. Not photographing, not editing, not marketing, not blogging. And because of that, I've enjoyed my job more than I ever have in my life and have really seen my career thrive in ways it never has before. 

So I hope this is encouraging and challenging for you. And I hope that those closest to me can keep me accountable to holding my relationships at a top priority, even during the busiest season. Much love to you, my sweet readers. As always, thanks for tagging along on this journey of mine.

Outfit details: sweater, c/o WoaKao // shoes, c/o ShoeMint // bronze leather necklace, c/o Isn't That Sew // golden chevron necklace, c/o Electric Sun Creatives // jeans, borrowed

Comments

  1. This is beautiful. I've been coming to the same conclusion lately, people matter most. xo Caitlin

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  2. Amazing photos and outfit!!! :)

    ♥♥♥

    http://mademoisellejuliet.blogspot.com/

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  3. Such a great post Kinsey! On Wednesday I am going full time with my own business/ being self employed for the first time ever and your view of success will be important to keep in mind as being even more important than the money! :)
    xo Hannah

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  4. This is beautiful - thank you so much for sharing this!
    Maggie

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  5. i think so much of your "career success" is likely because you put those relationships first. i think sometimes really ambitious people forget the most important part of th equation and it doesn't serve them well.
    best wishes and continued success in all the important ways.

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  6. Love your outfit!
    and this is so so true! :)

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  7. Adorable!! Love your boots <3
    Peace & Love
    www.foreverboho.com

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  8. I've been through several tough life experiences that a regular 19-year old girl shouldn't go through. This has made me value my relationships so much more. I rather have personal success in my relationships than any other type. Great post!

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  9. That's a wonderful way to look at it. Thanks for this...

    Christen
    http://christenlouise.blogspot.com

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  10. Loving your jacket!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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  11. such a lovely perspective - and congratulations on both defining and creating success!

    jill
    WilderNest

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  12. Love this post. the outfit is amazing, love the embroidery and the pink denim jacket.
    Happy post!
    Xo,
    Belen
    www.androbelinsider.blogspot.com :)

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  13. gorgeous! and well said everything! really makes you think and take a step back on life itself.

    xx
    cheals
    http://everydaybeginings.blogspot.com

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  14. so beautifully written! i can certainly relate.. i'm very much a relationship person and am at my happiest when my friendships are thriving. thank you for sharing! and i am loving your outfit!

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  15. what an eloquent post! it's so true, relationships with those around you are the most important, in the end the other stuff doesn't really matter.

    Emmett - Hippie Lace

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  16. I can tell you one thing, your hair always looks successfully perfect in your photographs.

    Naomi
    LOST+FOUND

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  17. Success means different things to different people: I love the way you look at it!

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  18. so well said, kinsey - thanks for sharing! i'm also loving the lace and layers in your outfit. i hope you enjoyed your time in SF (my old stomping grounds). you should try to make it to portland sometime, it's equally as awesome :)

    *regina
    http://reginaannyoga.blogspot.com

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  19. loved this post.

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  20. Very inspiring post, really enjoyed reading it. Visit my blog when you get a chance. :))

    Sincerely,
    Tania
    http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com

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  21. This is seriously so beautiful. I loved reading this post, and must feel pretty awesome love doing what you're doing.

    Jes | Naturally Jes

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  22. I love how your define success. I've been defining success for myself lately and I can honestly say there's nothing better than watching my daughter learn something new or just play in her world. When she's happy I feel so accomplished and my blog and business aren't quite as high on the priority list as they would have been in the past.

    You always have beautiful pictures! I'm so inspired by the photography on your blog.

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  23. Well put! : ) and I love the outfit. : )

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  24. you honestly inspire me. i love how career driven you are and it was nice learning that you genuinely care about the relationships around you.

    xo. m.

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  25. Relationships and memories never tire .... work does. It's so hard to keep perspective sometimes.

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  26. I loved reading this post, Kinsey. "The most successful times in my life are when my relationships are flourishing" - great thought, and great answer. I've been turning away from my family lately (not because I want to, but we're all so busy) and I'm reminded how I need to just put in a little more effort and care and be there for my family.

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  27. Hi! Your photos are always so superb. What camera / lens do you use? They are always such amazing quality.

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  28. I've been reading so many inspiring posts lately. They just give Me this kick out of My down spirits.
    I loved this post :) so sincere... and so inspiring too

    Loads of love, SJay
    www.sweetswithfreaks.blogspot.com

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  29. Inspiring post! I agree with you on the success. It's never about the work or school for me, just just about relationships. And for me it's also about happiness and making my life worthy :)

    http://passionblogi.blogspot.fi/

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  30. Such a beautiful post Kinsey! I adore the photos and your outlook on success. Absolutely wonderful.

    xo, Juliette Laura
    http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com
    http://www.etsy.com/shop/InfiniteStyleShop

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