One thing is certain that when we become parents we start to view the world through a brand new lens. Your priorities now center around this vulnerable life you’re responsible for. As time goes self-care can seem like a ghost from another lifetime. The little things that spark warmth inside you are the easiest to push to the back of the queue when you’re already overbooked day is behind schedule.
I realized some time ago that I completely abandoned every healthy habit and hobby of mine in exchange for sleep deprivation and perpetual anxiety. I first noticed it in photographs of myself. My eyes were hauling some pretty heavy bags and they looked lifeless inside. I started avoiding mirrors and avoiding being photographed.
14 months after the untimely passing of my mother I decided to contact Christi. I had admired her work and cheered her from afar for years. At some point recently I had gotten the idea to invite my daughter to a shoot with me. She hadn’t had photos taken since she was a little girl. Now she is a teenager with a unique personality that deserves to be celebrated. I was excited to get something on the books.
Before the date of our shoot my father passed unexpectedly and was reunited with his wife. With the responsibilities that came with his death I was so exhausted and devastated I seriously considered cancelling the photo session. Self-care had never before been so necessary. So we got a hotel and headed 4 hours south to take some photos.
Christi and Lela had such vibrant, loving energy that we immediately felt at ease and at home. They pulled a personality out of me that I forgot I had. They helped me remember that although I am wading through grief, I don’t have to live there all the time.
I was scared to see my photos. I thought the fancy camera and natural lighting would offer no mercy when exposing every fine line and blemish and I would feel worn out.
None of those things happened though. I saw a strong bloodline and a rich story being represented. Our smiles looked easy and our eyes bright. We looked relaxed and happy. There’s magic in those oversized hair flowers, I swear it.
We chose self-care and amazingly enough we felt cared for! The pictures are such a treasure but the experience that came with them is pretty unique and special. Plan to completely lose track of time. And don’t forget snacks and water! Being fabulous is hard work
