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
