Family life photography by Monica Brown

Today I am full of thoughts.

I have never raced to my computer to write.  Today is a first.

I am so full of feeling right now.  So full of questions, and so full of determination.

I am at a place of renewal.  My mind, body, home and business are all undergoing tremendous change right now.  All at the same time.

I am learning (finally) to focus.  TO BE INTENTIONAL.  To do the things that matter most and turn down the noise that leads to distractions and tangents.

A friend told me Tuesday that I had too much time on my hands (after posting lovely Instagrams of my homemade granola and natural products that I had purchased to make non-toxic cleaners for my home).  AND I WAS GRATEFUL.  NO ONE HAS EVER TOLD ME THAT.  I have always heard, “You look so tired,” and “Can I get you a cup of coffee?”   Never, never, “You have too much time on your hands.”

It stopped me in my tracks.

How have I been getting so much done?  So much meaningful work?  Honestly, I am still trying to figure that out.  But for now I am taking advantage of every moment that I can think clearly and be productive.

my mind…almost a year after attending Making Things Happen at WPPI in Las Vegas last year, I am fully seeing the results.  I have been (and still am) a work in progress.  But THIS CHALLENGE started it all.  And the journey has been rewarding, enlightening, and has lead to such a peaceful heart.

my body…as if by chance, I watched Forks Over Knives on January 1st.  It has changed my life.  YES.  I know that is a powerful statement.  But by modifying my eating habits what seems like a small amount, I have reaped such amazing rewards.  I am no longer tired.  Believe me people, staying awake all day and feeling strong has been a challenge for me for years.  The fact that I am not only awake, but full of energy is simply astounding to me.  I have no desire to ever go back to how I have felt the last 15 years.  (side note – the same person who told me I had too much time on my hands is the same friend I had from college who told me I took more naps than his Grandma.  Love you, Kevin

my home…we are preparing for  a move this summer.  In the process we are clearing the house of excess.  I never thought we had that much stuff (I am quite the purger) until we had to get our home ready to go on the market.  Being able to transform our living space (and we LIVE here) into an arrangement that not only is pleasing to anyone else entering, but also functional and still US has been a challenge.  It made my heart happy the other day when my daughter told me that she wished we had lived in it this way the whole time.  The fact that my family (and I) am still comfortable in this “staged” atmosphere feeds my soul.

and my business…this is so personal.  My business is going through a wonderful transition.  I am working with some very talented and inspirational women as we transform the look and feel of Monica Brown Photography.  It is going to be stunning.  But more importantly, it is going to be authentically ME.  Just from holding my beautifully designed business card, you are going to know what I am about.  Even more important than the look of my business will be its CORE.

I am enjoying all of this.  Every bit.  It is hard work, but the benefits make the work so enjoyable.

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Giving beautiful photographs to families, mine included, is important.

It is necessary.

It gives my technical abilities meaning.

It gives us something tangible to have to reflect on these days, years from now.

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In the next few weeks, I will be announcing a photography class where I will share my process and teach you to take beautiful photographs of your family.  This LOVE I have for photography is about to spill out of me like a waterfall.

This is my life’s work.  It is my WHY.

delightfully,

Monica