As December 1st is tomorrow, I thought I would share with you a Christmas letter to all creatives, especially directed at my younger, greener self.

Dear Creative,

Did you know tomorrow is December 1st?  I bet you do, but why?  Do you know its Christmas because of the giant list of business to dos stacked high on your desk or because you have little footied pajama feet snuggled up next to you as you read a favorite holiday tale?  Are you focused on that last minute session that just happened to book you today or that one last kiss before bed?  It is hard being a one or two person show!  We got into this business to live the dream and yet . . . we aren’t.

It’s Christmas . . a time where dreams come true . .

My dream was to be there for my kids and yet use the talents God gave me to bring joy, light, and laughter to the fore front of every relationship I capture.  Along the way, I lost sight of that goal until a mentor of mine wasn’t afraid to hold up to such a challenge and put her choices where her goals were.  I learned a lot from her in the last year and a half and so I challenge you to do the same . . . take time off . . slow down . . . and hug your loved ones.

This December, I made the decision to plan ahead, pare down, and take some time off.  To spend the time I would have been shooting, with my family, because there is only so long that toothless grin of my six year old will look at Christmas lights in wonder or that my two year old will beg me to sing “Let it Go” just one more time.  I value family . . . my own . . and yours.  So, I challenge you, what will you pare down this season in order to focus on that which is eternally valuable?

May Your Christmas Season be Merry and Bright!