I’ve never been the individual to find things that, “speak to me”. It’s always kind of bothered me, really. Especially in the digital era with everyone posting quotes and videos and inspirational bits and pieces that “resonate with my heart” or “exactly what has been on my mind lately”. I’ve always looked for those pieces. Little pieces from the universe that speak to you about your life or words that rock the soul. 

It wasn’t until the other day, during circle time with my preschoolers, that I pulled out the book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! and as I turned the pages, reading each word delicately did I realize that a childhood favorite was in fact, rocking my soul. 

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…” 

It’s like every bit and piece spoke to me and about my business. Each page containing a little gem that sat in my heart almost like my heart was written out on those pages. Entrepreneurship is a struggle. Building a business with a foundation has been a test to my patience, my ego, my creativity, my people skills, and every aspect of my life. Each of those pieces stitching themselves together in both a negative and positive aspect. There are days where I ride the wave, with my head in the clouds, oozing happiness and fulfillment like no other. Then, to be honest, there are days that I’m in the deep, the ones where I constantly go over what I need to be doing and what I want to be doing with my time. 

“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”

As a business owner you have to sift through the never ending to-do list and figure out the aspects that can be cut (for the time being) and the non-negotiables. Those non-negotiables are the true important ones, and maybe just maybe, are the core to the foundation. Serving clients, keeping true to my ideal style, social/media and marketing, and focusing on learning & enhancing the experience. Those aspects, the ones that I find true joy in, the ones that make my clients feel special, are the ones that stay. The ones I spend my Fridays & Monday’s pouring my life into and that makes my heart happy. 

“So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you’ll move mountains.”

The someday dreams? That’s a long list there. The list that will get touched when I someday make that leap. Make the leap to full time photographer, full time entrepreneur, full time Caynay. It’s a leap that isn’t in the cards yet and that’s okay. I’m okay with building my business securely and slowly. Intricately placing those pieces to build a business that is strong, warm, serving, and dare I say, successful. 

“And when you’re alone there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.”

It’s a scary adventure, yes, but definitely one I wouldn’t change. I’ve adored absolutely ever step to this process. Yes it’s been hard. Yes I have cried more then I care to admit (coming from a non-crier this is especially hard). I’ve had to work harder during this season of life then I’ve had to work my entire life BUT it’s been my favorite season of life yet. The joy that shooting weddings brings me is unmeasurable. I truly wouldn’t change any little piece of this journey and I’m thrilled that it’s just starting.