Reflecting on Maine...

We're back after a week in Maine and similar to years prior, I'm left with fond memories, itchy bug bites, a few extra pounds and a thought or two bouncing around in my noggin.

These trips continue to shape and define me. I'm able to breathe a little deeper and minimize the inputs...which helps to tune in to what's left. Maine is rugged and beautiful.  It makes me appreciative and has taught me to take care of who (and what) I have in my life.

I'm already missing waking up alongside my family. As loud and crazy as things can get, those characters make life worth living. I'm always battling with what I should be doing with myself when I'm away from them -- 3 things became abundantly clear along the trip and I'm committed to ensuring that I stick to doing them:

  • Documenting life photographically
  • Writing
  • Making

Documenting life has grown in importance in my life as I've built a family of my own. Images take me on a journey, tapping the memory floodgates. Telling these stories...my own and those who's trust I've been lucky to earn...has become core to who I am. It feeds my soul and makes this ole heart pound a little stronger.

Writing is something that I never seem to do enough of...but when I do, I always feel good inside. I'm looking for ways to incorporate more in my life thru daily journaling and weekly blogging.  If I'm being honest, those ways have always been there. I should rephrase that to say...I'm making time to write. Period.

Making is something I just always think about. Perhaps I'm already doing it via documenting and writing...but there's a piece of me that feels like I need to be physically making something with my hands.  That's not going to happen sitting behind a desk. I need to get off of my arse...and make.

As I jump back into the routine, I've gotta remember these words. I've got to hold fast to my compass and stick to the path I'm carving (and craving).

Bath, ME with the ones who matter most...

Bath, ME with the ones who matter most...

Minimizing Inputs...

It’s been 15 days without social media and I’m still alive. Business is thriving and the family front is as crazy as ever. 

It took about 8 to 10 days for me to finally stop reaching for my phone.  It really is crazy to see how conditioned I was and now that I’ve spent a whole lot more time with my head up…it’s almost frightening to see how many of us are going thru life with our faces glued to screens.

I’ve noticed a shift in my thought process…where I feel like I’ve become much more appreciative of everyone and everything that surround me. 

Let’s face it -- all of this has a limited shelf life.

Conversations are deeper, more prevalent.  

Time, which has always seemed so hard to come by, is slowing and is actually beginning to feel like I have more of it.

Call me crazy.

Any which way I look at things, curbing the inputs has minimized the ‘noise’ in my life/head…and maximized my outputs.