During our week-long beach trip in October as we were looking at the final list of beach houses, Jon and I had a series of discussions that centered on this - "what is the dream?" We agreed it was NOT our dream to buy a beach house. Our dream was to spend more time at the beach as a family. It turns out, buying a beach place that almost pays for itself is the cheapest way to accomplish this. And if it's 75 in January, we can go there with almost no planning.
I want to make it clear to all the Mondo-ers out there that my dream did not fail. I got the dream wrong. My dream was NOT to make money being a photographer. My dream was to become a photographer. I did that, and continue to grow. Without my business, I wouldn't be the photographer I am today.
One day, at the right time, I'll come back to it. I'll still take photos of friends and family. I'll still keep my business license to say yes to jobs along the way. But after a lot of reflection, I know right here with my family is where I need to be most right now.
17 comments:
Love it. All of it. Even the signs from the universe.
It is powerful to know what you want and know what you need, and then to just do it, eh? I'm happy that you're doing what's right for you (and that we'll all still be able to see your beautiful images on this blog!).
Proud of you for taking what was surely not an easy decision - and doing what is best for you and your family.
Bully for you, Laura! Life is short and precious and sometimes, fleeting. Time away from the boys is time you cannot get back. (I'm having those same doubts about law school while Nina is so young...)
The devil is in the details. Who knew that was true for dreams as well? I'm glad that you have pursued your dream far enough to understand it so well, and that you are making the changes you need to continue perusing your dreams in the direction that is right for you at the moment.
I loved this post. It takes great courage to examine what you truly want in life, and it takes many steps sometimes to get there. You are a photographer, whether you take pictures for a business or not. It is just part of who you are. And you are right, the work side of it will always be there, whenever or if ever you are ready for that again. In the meantime, enjoy every minute of your boys and the beach!
Its tough to take on new endeavors and its even tougher to walk away from something you invest yourself in. Bravo for having the courage to do so!
I love that you can recognize that it's not that the dream wasn't achieved but that it's meaning was misunderstood - great self-awareness!
You have proven to yourself that you can do it if you want to or need to. Meanwhile photography is something that you love and can pursue as an artist even if it is not commercial. Sometimes the freedom gives you an opportunity to be your most inventive self. Of course there are also those dear six year olds who will be sixteen before you can even catch your breath and then shortly out of the nest. There will be time again.
The analyst in me loves that little tiny differentiation in knowing exactly what your dream is, and isn't. I love that you had that clarity!
I totally understand your post!! Keep moving forward! So excited for you Laura!!
I totally understand your post!! Keep moving forward! So excited for you Laura!!
you're amazing!
And super brave! I considered doing this very thing BUT I'm too chicken so I just scaled back a lot.
Seriously Laura, I'm so inspired!
http://takechargesolutions.org/blog/2013/01/03/business-transitions-and-my-word-of-the-year-2/
Laura, I think you definitely accomplished your goal of becoming a photographer-your work is so clear, crisp and filled with color. You have a style that is perfectly you, and your talent is undeniable.
I hope you get lots of time at the beach!
I know that had to be a tough decision, but good for you for figuring out what is best for you and for your family and making it happen!
Hmm think I'm going to start following your blog. Marcia sent me this link today because I'm having exactly the same dilemma.
Good for you for making that call... I know it wasn't easy to make.
Sometimes we need to really listen to to what our hearts are trying to tell us. Glad you pushed thru to the decision that is right for your family on both things.
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