I was scrolling through Instagram and a post from one of my favorites, Dana “Hot Pants”, really struck me. She posted a photo saying 2016: Caterpillar, 2017: Cocoon, 2018: Butterfly. Isn’t that what we all want? To work hard, to improve, and one day become a magnificent butterfly?
Dana crossed off those goals in the photo and replaced them all with the word “caterpillar.” Even though we want to be a butterfly, and we set goals for ourselves, we don’t always hit them as quickly as we want…sometimes, not at all. We think that by this time next year, we’ll have accomplished X, Y and Z. If you do, that’s great! If you don’t, that’s ok too. Our entire lives is one long journey, and its not always possible to figure out when we’ll reach milestones.
You can either be overwhelmed or inspired by the idea that you’re always on a journey. You might never be 100% the person you want to be. I don’t think I will be, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to stop trying. I will never stop working towards loving my body, being the best possible wife I can be, being a great friend, being a wonderful a daughter or a master photographer.
Don’t give up on the journey. Don’t quit going because you don’t ever think you’ll reach a destination. Take a risk and step outside of your comfort zone. If you’re a caterpillar longer than you want, remember that caterpillars are important, too. Speaking of being on a journey, I recently had my sister in the studio. She was one of the first people I every photographed, and in a year’s time, my boudoir photography has changed so much I knew I needed to shoot her again. In a year from now, maybe I’ll still be a caterpillar or maybe I’ll be a cocoon. I’m less concerned about that, and more excited to see how this journey impacts my work. I’me excited to see where life takes you, too!
If your journey includes a boudoir session, contact me to learn more.