Life Through the Lens

I checked the mail, opened the card, and then cried… for at least 15 minutes… before I was able to leave our mailbox.

What kind of Christmas card would cause those kind of tears? The kind that included 7 memories… 7 photos of a friend I haven’t seen in 3 years… 7 photos of that friend and her husband, who she lost in Afghanistan on August 6th of this year. She included a lovely note honoring his memory and saying thank you for the outpouring of support she has received, which of course only intensified the tears.

Were there professional photos on that card? No. Did there need to be? Of course not. Those 7 snapshots were more powerful than any professional photo I have ever seen, because there was meaning behind them. A professional photographer isn’t always around when you’re in the midst of a meaningful moment or memory. So it’s up to you to be the record keeper for yourself and for your family and friends.

You don’t have to lose 10 pounds first, you don’t have to have makeup on, heck you don’t even have to had showered first. Who cares what anyone looks like in a fleeting moment that you want to remember. 20 years down the road you’re probably just going to be making fun of your ridiculous clothing choices anyway, so the rest is irrelevant.

I take photos of other people for a living, but often times forget to take plenty photos of my own family and life. When I was trying to pick our photos for our Christmas card, I had so few of me, my husband, and my son all together.  And practically none of just me and my husband! I mean, we’ve had this brilliant relationship for the last 13 years, yet almost no pictures of just the two of us in 2011? So sad! So I’m going to change that this year. I’m making it a point to at least take one photo a day (doesn’t matter with which camera!). I’ll keep a running record on my Flickr page if you’re interested.

While today’s latest smart phones have pretty great cameras, I suggest still at least keeping around a good point-and-shoot to help record your life. And do something with the photos you take… print them for a change instead of just keeping them on your phone or computer. Maybe put them in an album. And do yourself a favor and print them BIGGER than a 4×6 to frame. Photos look more and more beautiful the larger you print them… Get out of your comfort zone and try at least an 8×10 next time! And don’t let your intimidation of fancy cameras (or maybe just laziness? Hey, we have ALL been guilty of that!) keep you from preserving the moments that mean the most to you in life. Life passes by so quickly and you never know what tomorrow holds, so do what you can to remember what puts a sparkle in your eye, and enjoy every last drop of love and fun and happiness that you can.

As for that friend I mentioned in the beginning of this post… what would she be left with without those photos to look back on and remember her husband? Her own memories, yes, but as time passes memories fade… so take photos, print them, and hold them close forever. She took the time to capture those precious moments, and now not only does she have those photos to look back on, but she was able to share them with others who may have not been there in that moment… and now I have that Christmas card attached to my refrigerator, among other memories, where I can honor them daily.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.” -Kung Fu Panda

What’s your most recent favorite snapshot? Here’s mine.

Jose and Max. First morning snuggle of 2012.

Reach for the stars and amazing things will happen!

When I finally retired from grad school a couple of years ago, I knew I could keep teaching since I already had a job at our local community college (and still do… love my public speaking students!), but what I reallllly wanted to do was photography! I knew it would be hard and a lot of work (it still is!), but the payoff would be great.

I’ve been a photographer for about 15 years now (unless you count that very first camera that my dearest Aunt Milka gave me when I was just a small child!), and until now I’ve had just a handful of paying photography jobs. Otherwise, it was mostly just for hobby.

After Max was born, some kind of insane drive and motivation took over me to take my photography business to the next level! Also, with the unstoppable encouragement from Jose, I now have this amazing, growing client base for my portrait photography business, and just the best clients-turned-friends in the world. And thanks to the most incredible life-saving mom’s group that I’m a part of, the infamous Yoga Mamas, not only are several of them also my clients, but some of them are even about to help me embark on a new photographic journey! Living this dream is ineffable.

But wait… There’s more. I’m already a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), but I thought it was time to expand my network and affiliations because so many great things can come from doing so. This weekend, my application was accepted to become a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers (NAPCP)! Such awesome news to receive that acceptance letter in my inbox!

What else am I a part of? The fabulous National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), as well as the Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI). All such incredible organizations that it’s such an honor to be a part of!

Then, today I received a letter indicating that I am a finalist for Best Infant Photographer in the 2011 Austin Area Mother-Friendly Birth Professionals Awards, which are a project of the Central Texas Doula Association. What an honor!!! Stay tuned for information on how and when to vote!

And if all of that wasn’t enough, I had a spectacular weekend with my boys, complete with the best daddy in the world introducing Max to the creation of art.

Reach for the stars and amazing things will happen.

Daddy & Max: 07.31.11

Max: 07.31.11

What’s on your “reach for the stars” list? Are you reaching?

Are you tired of your day in/day out activities? Are you feeling a little uninspired? Do you have this itchy feeling (no, not that type of itching! Gross! LOL) that there’s just something more waiting for you out in the world?

I was thinking about writing on this topic before I even read today’s Zen Habits blog post. And then suggestion number six (live out of your comfort zone) from that post encouraged me even more!

Back in high school, our art teacher used to tell us, “Get out of your comfort zone!” She was so right. When I left my comfort zone, that’s when I produced the best work! And it’s been true any other time in life when I choose to try something new that I’m not familiar with.

So this is what I’m encouraging you to do today! Get out of your comfort zone! Try something new! This could also really help you find something new you’re passionate about that you completely missed before.

When’s the last time you left your comfort zone? What have you always wanted to do but are maybe a bit uncomfortable about making the decision to finally do it?

Here’s my leap out of my comfort zone:

Calling all local Austin artists, musicians, yogis, owners of quirky or trendy shops, homeowners with a unique sense of style… you catch my drift!

While I normally photograph adorable children who cause me to die of cuteness, or beautiful families, or the occasional wedding or engagement shoot (and totally love all of this, don’t get me wrong!), I’m ready to also try something new in my free time (ha! What free time? ).

I’m insanely inspired by The Selby and his ability to capture real life… real people… in their space. Check out that link, and if his artistic vision totally “speaks” to you and you fall under the category of the types of people I’m looking to photograph, then drop me a line and let’s get together to create some beautiful art!

Photograph by Todd Selby

I want to photograph you in your element. Whether that means you feel totally comfortable striking a yoga pose early in the morning in the middle of the road on South Congress Ave…. or your band has been using a funky recording studio that is just begging to be photographed while you’re in session… or you have an awe-inspiring home with unique architecture, lots of natural light, unusual design sense, and you want photos of you (and your family, if you have one!) in this creative space… or your art studio is your second home and that’s where you feel most at ease and alive… or maybe you own a really cool shop or tattoo parlor downtown and would love to finally have some shots of you in that space that you are so proud to have created. Anyway, you get the point.

I welcome all inquiries for this creative endeavor, especially if you have an idea for the shoot’s location, etc.! I want to see why we claim the expression, “Keep Austin Weird…” and then photograph it! Because I lovvvve Austin.

Donations welcome to keep this project going! After I take your photos, I will give you several digital copies as a souvenir to keep, but you could further support me by purchasing prints of your final photos from the site I will be hosting them on! Point being, this is a personal project that I won’t charge for until a long ways down the road, when I show what I have to offer and those skills become desirable to the outside world. However, the only catch is that I can only do these shoots when I’m not already booked by clients from my portrait and wedding photography business!

Interested? Have someone to send my way? Please do drop me a line! leaciceraro (at) gmail (dot) com

Ready… Set… Go!

Every person is different. Everyone has their own story. Every human deserves to celebrate their individuality… their unique contribution to the world.

It’s okay to have role models, look up to people, even try to mimic a person’s art style (just one example) so you can learn and grow.

But why try to by exactly like someone else (Singe White Female anyone? Just kidding… but that is creepy! LOL)? Why try to copy someone else’s photography or painting style? Why try to exactly be like Ansel Adams or Annie Leibowitz or Peter Lik (three photographers, by the way, who are a huge inspiration to me!)? All of those people are already out their doing their own thing… Nobody needs a replica.

Be your own person. Develop your own style (be it fashion or art or parenting or whatever). Show the world what you have to offer and then make your contribution available, if you so choose.

There’s only one you. So show people what you offer that’s special. What your passion is. Why it’s worth it to stop and take a second glance in your direction.

I used to drive myself crazy trying to figure out what type of photography people would enjoy seeing the most from me. And then Jose just encouraged me to explore what I am passionate about and just take pictures of things that I want to take pictures of. Novel idea! There’s only one me… Some people will be attracted to my work, others won’t. And that’s okay.

This film, Life in a Day, produced by Ridley Scott and directed by Kevin Macdonald looks to be the perfect portrayal of just how unique our world really is. I’m crazy looking forward to seeing this!

What’s a day in your life like? What’s unique about you? What do you hope to contribute to the world?

I think there’s a reason you don’t see many blog posts show up on your Google Reader over the weekend… People are busy having fun! So, it’s time for me to catch up!

I made it a point this weekend to get out and do some fun stuff around Austin. We’ve lived here for 3 years and there’s still sooooo much we have yet to explore!

I encourage everyone to get out and see what their local area has to offer. Nobody says you have to go out-of-town to have a vacation! Too often people live for years in a certain city, and then move without ever having experienced some of the best local attractions! Or sometimes you wait to see and do as much as you can until your final weeks living in any particular city. We are so very guilty of both of those, especially having already lived on both the East Coast and in Southern California!

Yesterday I had some awesome “me-time” and I explored Austin a bit. First I headed to South Congress Avenue downtown to check out some great local shops. I took my camera along and finally got to take some pictures for myself, and I enjoyed some delicious candy and the best Italian Creme Soda I have ever had at Big Top Candy Shop. After exploring for a bit, I drove around some nearby neighborhoods and swooned over some amazing architecture, both old and new, and tree-lined streets in Travis Heights. So beautiful! Then I headed north a bit and had a lovely facial appointment at Spa Reveil.

Austin local... and his dog: 07.23.11

Big Top Candy Shop - Austin, TX: 07.23.11

Big Top Candy Shop - Austin, TX: 07.23.11

Big Top Candy Shop - Austin, TX: 07.23.11

Keep Austin Weird 07.23.11

This morning I had a photo shoot for a sweet little boy (also named Max!) who’s turning two on Tuesday! Me and his mama were pregnant at the same time with our kiddos and took prenatal yoga classes together. While I did the photo shoot around The Arboretum, Jose and Max came along to explore and play as well! We tried heading back down to the Congress Ave. Bridge to see the famous bats take flight, but after our dinner outside at Whole Foods in record breaking 105 degree heat, Max got overheated AND tired fast, so after driving around for a bit, we decided to just head back home… We’ll try again another day (or even another summer) to see the bats. We plan to live here forever, so there’s plenty of opportunities to see that and much more!

Max & Daddy: 07.24.11

All in all, it was a fabulous weekend that really encouraged me in SO many ways. Not only was it amazing to “get back in the saddle” with taking photos for myself, but I also had an incredibly time exploring Austin a bit more! I definitely intend to do both of these things a LOT more often.

What are your favorite local tourist (or non-tourist) attractions? Have you seen everything your city has to offer? Are you one of those people who can go years without visiting and exploring new areas of your own city?

Do you ever try to ‘put yourself in another person’s shoes?’

I think practicing empathy can be an important tool to pull out frequently from your toolbox. American Heritage Dictionary defines empathy as, “Direct identification with, understanding of, and vicarious experience of another person’s situation, feelings, and motives.” Jose is the one who gave me the idea to focus on this for today’s mantra.

I feel like it’s especially important for me to practice empathy with Max. If he’s cranky or upset or happy or whatever, I try to put myself in his shoes and see the world from his perspective, to help me better figure out what he’s feeling.

And why don’t I hike up my photography package prices? Because I practice empathy with my clients, too. Not everyone should have to spend an arm and a leg just to have nice, sincere photos taken of them (and their family). How would I want to be treated as a client and what would I want to pay? This helps me better figure out my business model, too. It’s nice to get paid for your time and what your talent is worth, but that doesn’t mean I have to skyrocket my prices. I try to put myself in my clients shoes as often as possible, especially during photo shoots too, when they might be feeling a little uneasy at first or stressed because their kids are less than cooperative. Practice a little empathy and it’s all good.

Not only is it important to practice with the people you love in your life, it’s a great tool to use with strangers as well. A friend of mine (Laurie), uploaded the following photo to Facebook last week. She saw a man give his shoes (the shoes he was WEARING) to a homeless woman… and Laurie was awesome enough to take a photo of the whole encounter. Not only was this man paying it forward, but he must have been putting into practice a great deal of empathy for this woman, who had no shoes, standing on concrete, on a 100+ degree day in Central Texas. He put himself in her shoes and among whatever else he was thinking at the time, he realized that she could use them more than him (or should I say that he literally put her in HIS shoes!?).

Shoes - 07.16.11 - Photo by Laurie Plenge Dreesen

It’s impossible to know what every single person’s story is just by looking at them. So don’t judge a book by it’s cover… Try to feel what someone else is feeling or understand a hardship they might be going through… Try to see things from another person’s perspective… Hear people out… Do whatever you can to practice a little empathy as often as possible.

What does empathy mean to you? Do you (un)consciously practice it? Or does it really take a lot of effort for you to be empathetic? How can we all be more empathetic?

Maximilian - 07.18.11 - The one who reminds me I need to be more empathetic, and the one who I hope I can teach empathy to through example.

As our personalities grow and evolve, we often forget the core foundations of what makes us who we are. Anytime I start to lose site of myself, I think back to my past and what I really enjoyed throughout the years, and what made me happiest.

I’m lucky to have met the love of my life in my first year of high school. Jose has had a huge influence on me and my personality over the last 13 years. Thus, he makes up a big part of my roots. He had some great input on this topic as well today. He mentioned that your roots are what make up your core beliefs. They’re what keep you grounded. So it’s also important to stay true to your roots. Not just remember them and say, “yeah, that stuff was awesome,” but also engage in the things that make you happy. Jose stated further, the great things about trees are that they have branches. If you are your roots, all of your new interests that you acquire over a lifetime are your branches. It’s okay to grow and evolve. Just remember your roots. (Jose is so wise ).

There are several things that make me feel alive because they’re at the core of my personality. For one, I come alive when I’m traveling. Maybe it’s because I was an Air Force brat growing up, so I’m used to traveling around the world. Regardless, traveling makes me a very happy person, and brings so much inspiration to my life.

Second, photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, with my dad teaching me when I was young. I feel naked without my camera. Capturing precious moments or the perfect shot gives me the kind of butterflies and excitement in a way that nothing else can.

Third, I lovvvve music. Particularly punk rock, but I have a wide range of tastes. My all time favorite bands/musicians (in no particular order) are The Offspring, No Doubt, Millencolin, Face to Face, Motion City Soundtrack, Weezer, Saves the Day, John Mayer, Jimmie Eat World, Yellowcard, Queen, and Less Than Jake. Okay, the more I think about this, the more artists I add to the list. Point being, music is such a big part of my life! Not only do I love awesome music, but I love seeing these bands live, too.  I’ve seen everyone on that list live (and some of them several times!) except for Queen, John Mayer, and No Doubt! Listening to this music makes me happy. Whenever I don’t have the kiddo in tow, I love cranking that music and just singing at the top of my lungs. These musicians make me come alive.

I also love skate (Jose skateboards and does aggressive skating) and surf culture (nope, never tried it before… but it sure is fun to watch! ), and wearing Vans shoes, and sporting any other punk rock attire. Yes, I fell in love with a skater boy. Tried skateboarding and snowboarding a bit, but I don’t have the greatest balance… So I leave all of the board riding to Jose. So yeah, Southern California was a cool place for us to live for a while, and now Austin still very much fits in with our quirky interests, so we’re probably going to stay here for the rest of our lives.

Do you still live influenced by your roots? What about your past makes you who you are? Are your roots more in the background or the forefront of your day to day life?

My current pair of Vans shoes - 07.17.11

This is why I have to “go with the flow.” And yes, those are my “intimates” flying out of that laundry basket. Thanks, Max. It’s like he *knows* how difficult it actually is for me to complete an entire load of laundry, from washing to putting it all away, in a timely manner. So naturally he wants to help.

Since becoming a mama back on Halloween in 2009, I’ve had no choice but to roll with the punches! As Urban Dictionary puts it, it’s “when things don’t go your way and you adapt to the changes and keep moving ahead instead of flipping out.” LOL.

I used to be that Type-A, list writing, schedule keeping, to-do list conquering, straight-A earning, strung out chica. Don’t believe me? Just ask my husband. Now, whenever something spills and stains, or we’re running late, or we get stuck in traffic, or I forget to pack a vital baby necessity for a car ride or road trip, or Max clobbers me upside the head with a toy, I just (have to) brush it off. And Jose will repeatedly say, “Wow, you would have never reacted like that back in the day.” He’s so right. I used to get wayyyy more easily irritated, anxious, frustrated… you name it.  I’m not saying that never happens now, but it’s a lot less frequent.

Everything is out of my control. I accept happenings for what they are. Yesterday I had a crazy “off” day (e.g., forgetting to pack the stroller, timing our lunch downtown with hubby WAY too early so it was more like “brunch,” forgetting to buckle Max into the shopping cart until hubby reminded me… you name it, I was off!). But all I could do was laugh at it, go with the flow, and try to redeem myself today and just continue to focus on going with the flow and taking any setbacks with a grain of salt.

Same goes for photography shoots. Every single shoot is different! Last weekend I did a shoot for four beautiful little girls, and (naturally) the second to youngest had a meltdown (this definitely isn’t the first time this has happened mid-shoot!). But I just did what I could to ease the family, accommodate the toddler, and continue to capture great shots. Come to find out, that poor thing had a fever and an ear infection! Of course none of us knew that at the time, but it just goes to show you that you can’t help what’s out of your control, so it’s best to just stay easy going. It would have been no use to get super upset about her meltdown, because she obviously had a good reason for it!

I feel the same way with Max. If he’s in a particular “mood,” I remind myself that he is after all HUMAN, and we’re all entitled to changing things up and expressing our emotions to reflect what we’re feeling. I also don’t believe in putting him on a super strict schedule, because life happens, he changes everyday, and I need to be able to accommodate how he’s feeling on any given day. There’s no point in forcing him into doing things he’s not thrilled about doing, or making him nap at 10am if he’s not going to be tired and ready to nap until 1pm. I go with the flow, and I’m much happier and more relaxed much more frequently.

I’m trying to go with the flow as I attempt to develop a daily yoga practice. It’s been soooo hard. And I think I finally figured out why I prefer to get out and go to an actual yoga class rather than do my practice at home. Because when I go to a yoga studio, I’m committed and in a relatively distraction-free environment. When I’m at home, in the spirit of rolling with the punches, I’m interrupted frequently during my practice whether by environmental distractions or just myself remembering to return a client email or grab a class of water, etc. Ugh. So difficult.

Are you able to easily go with the flow? Brush off little annoyances? Understand that everything is out of your control? Or just the opposite of all of the above? Is there a benefit to being one way or the other?

“I love you more than love. We need a new word for it.”

That’s what my amazing husband said to me last night before we fell asleep. Swoon.

I feel like most other mornings, there is something plaguing my mind, something I could rant about, or feel a little lost exploring. Today I’m just in love. Maybe I’m simply happy because it’s the weekend. Who knows. But what I do know is that I just lovvvve my family and I love love. I already did a post a while back about all the things that I love, so I won’t repeat them all here.  I just want to talk about it a little differently now. And hopefully I’ll get some time today to focus on it during a yoga practice or at least some meditation… I tried for my favorite Saturday morning Vinyasa class, but once again Max woke up mega early, so I’m in the process of trying to get him to go down for an early nap and missed out on the class. Such is life.

I think The Beatles had it spot on when they said, “All you need is love.”

Love is something in my life that I don’t feel I’m lacking at all. It is surely plentiful. From my parents. From my dogs. And of course from my husband and son. Jose and I have been together for nearly 13 years, and I’m amazed at how our love just continues to flourish and grow and change and expand… and, everything.

And just when I thought I couldn’t fit anymore love into my heart, Maximilian was born. And at first sight of him when I figured, “Ok, now I feel the most love I’ll ever feel,” I was wrong. It GROWS, every single day. And I always ask Jose how we’ll ever be able to fit even more love into our hearts for another child if we’re blessed with one, and he assuredly responds, “We just will.” He’s right. Anything is possible with love.

I did an engagement session for the sweetest couple ever a few weeks ago, Adria and Timothy, and I’ll be shooting their wedding next year (as well as doing Adria’s bridal portraits). I met Adria in 2008 when I started my PhD at UT Austin (see, so much good came out of my short time in that program!). Adria and Timothy are those types of clients where you think, “If all of my clients were like them, I’d do my job for free.” Not only do they have an enormous amount of love for one another that just radiates every which way when you’re in their presence, but they share an amazing amount of love with so many people around them, too. And they expressed a crazy amount of love and gratitude for the pictures they received from their session, the kind of thankfulness and love that truly makes me blush. This is why I love my job. And if I wasn’t lucky enough just to be chosen to use my camera to capture so many of their intimate moments, they’re coming over today for a BBQ! Soooo excited just to be in their presence again.

Adria & Tim: 06.18.11

Love can be extremely joyous, but it can also be incredibly painful at the same time. I’m betting that most people have experienced one or both of these sides to love (as I continue reading Eat Pray Love, I’m amazed at her journey (and battle?) with love and her willingness to share the pain (and joy) she experienced). Or can you not experience one without the other? Losing love or someone you love can be tremendously hard. But as ‘they’ say, “It’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Or is it?

Where do you stand with love? What does love look like? What does it mean to you? Is love ‘enough?’ Interpret that last one how you please…

One of my favorite paintings by Jose: 07.09.11

My favorite tattoo on Jose 07.09.11 (also a sacred heart, like his painting, but with a little something extra special)... Tattoo by Greg Colligan

So, yesterday I had to trade in a yoga practice for a few minutes of meditation instead. Max’s sleep schedule has been super out of whack, waking up before 5am, then waiting to go back to sleep for a couple of hours, then catching up on that lost sleep early in the day, and then not taking a nap (which is when I plan for my yoga practice… and to get work done for my photo business), thus making him too cranky to stay up late enough for his usual bedtime. Repeat. Which is why I’m writing this blog post at 9am, while he has his morning catch up session… And I’m dreading the fact that he probably won’t nap again today like yesterday!

Which brings me to today’s point of focus: balance. I apologize now if this post gets a bit long… But finding balance in my life is something that is always a constant struggle for me. When we live in a world where so much is expected out of each individual person, how do we balance each of those “hats” that we wear? How can we devote enough time to each facet of our life to make it worthwhile and something to be remembered for?

I feel like I wear more hats than I can count. First, I am a daughter (and granddaughter, and niece, etc……). I care deeply for my family and wish to do everything I can to make sure my family is happy and taken care of. Then I became a wife. I am thankful that I am not in the 1950′s stereotypical marriage where all household responsibilities, cooking, and child rearing falls solely on the wife. Jose is an amazing husband. He makes my life easy. After I became a wife, I became a grad student. And boy did that rule my life. For years.  In 2009, a year after I started my PhD program in Interpersonal Communication, I decided that wearing the hat of student wasn’t for me anymore. It was taking a toll on so many aspects of my life and it wasn’t making me happy. So I finally decided to “retire” from grad school, with an M.A., a few conference papers, and a couple of publications in hand, and continued on my way.  I was also a college instructor the entire time I was in grad school, and still am. Yet another hat.  Then I became a mama!!! Best. hat. EVER. Shortly after becoming a mama, I really dove head first into my photography business, even though I had already been a photographer for nearly 15 years. Those are probably all of the “main” hats that I wear… Being a stay-at-h0me-mom in itself encompasses a zillion different roles.  I’m also a pet owner (rescued two dogs in 2008!), a friend (although I know I could be a better one), a yogini in the making, and many more.

So how does one balance every hat they wear? And, here’s the catch, still find time to devote to themselves!? Simply saying “schedule it in” doesn’t quite do it for me. Especially when my “schedule” changes every single day, to accommodate a very exploratory and ever-changing toddler. I feel like these days I all too easily loose site of myself and who I am, desperate to engage in the activities that make me feel alive (like yoga), but rarely get the opportunity to.

Out of that entire list, there are probably three things that comprise the majority of my daily activities and thoughts: photography, yoga, and family. All of these are at the center of my thoughts and inspiration for this journey.

My photography business has been rapidly picking up, which is awesome. I am so grateful for my clients and their referrals, and I am crazy in love with being a part of each person’s life by being selected as the person to capture their precious moments. But now I’m trying to find ways to properly schedule it into my life so it doesn’t take over my life. Especially when I can easily check and answer client emails on my iPhone at any time. ShootQ and Pictage have certainly helped with my organization and time management.

I’m also very into yoga (started in 2007), but that’s something I have the most difficulty finding time for. I prefer to actually GO to a yoga class (trying to get better at developing a practice at home), with Yoga Yoga being my favorite in Austin since they offer sooo many different classes at sooo many different times and locations. They really do make it quite easy to squeeze a yoga class into your day… yet I STILL have a hard time going more than a few times a month (and 90% of the time I’m going to a class WITH Max… Not super relaxing)… Yet I’m happiest when I have a regular and consistent practice… *sigh*

Making sure my family is happy and taken care of certainly requires most of my time and energy, and it’s really what I place as priority #1. So much so, that I often find myself feeling overwhelmed and wondering how I can better handle daily tasks. We really want to expand our family and have more children (more on this later), but at the same time I’m scared shitless (which everyone says is “normal”) because if I already feel like I have a hard time balancing life with one child, how will I do it with two (or more)? How do I find the time to eat healthy, exercise regularly, attend yoga classes, have a little alone time, take pictures for pleasure (instead of just business), read a book, travel, shop, explore nature, go to the movies, get pampered at the spa…… The list could go on.

I find it really hard to take time away from my family to do something for myself, because my family means sooooo much to me. I will say, however, that I don’t regret for one second retiring from grad school and starting a family.  Freedom from school has opened up a million more doors that I never knew existed. I know that I would have never been able to devote enough time to both to make me happy and let each thrive. And retiring from school has not only allowed me to focus so much energy on my family, but it has also enabled me to follow my dreams and start my photography business! Best decision ever.

Anyway, this post could go on forever. I realize I highlighted a lot of issues I struggle with on a daily basis but really have not provided any solutions. I’m sorry if you were also seeking answers. However, the solutions are a part of this journey. What I’m going to try to especially focus on today, whether through yoga or meditation or expressing these issues through my photography, is balance. Maybe another facet of Buddhism (like I explored yesterday) can help me figure things out. Am I alone in this? Why do most of the other people in the world seem to be so much more “put together?” Do they have the secret to balance? Or are they struggling, too, silently? Why do we insist on adding more to our lives if what we already have is too much to balance?

What are the main “hats” that you wear? How do you find balance in your life?

My Lonely Yoga Mat - 07.08.11