I was caught a bit off guard (as per usual, these days) by the celebration of International Women’s Day. I have so much to say and so little time to say it before this day is done! But I can’t not say anything, so here we go (better late than never).
My journey to wholeness has been long. I know, I know. Not as long as some, but long enough. And I don’t say “wholeness” to imply that I am complete. There will always be room for growth and I struggle every single day with that all-too-familiar and horrid inner critic who works so hard to keep me small. By “wholeness,” I mean that I am at least able to acknowledge the beautiful work-in-progress that I am, and always will be. I’ll continue to strive each day to embrace my imperfections as willingly as I accept them in others; to understand that my stories, experiences, emotions, perspectives, and my words have power; and to keep exploring ways to share my voice with the world.
As a photographer (hold on while I silence that inner critic), I recognize the amazing opportunity I have to build up, to work with, to empower, and to guide. To learn about people’s ambitions and joys and explore ways to share all of these things with the world. I don’t take any of this for granted. One of my biggest regrets in life is that I didn’t get started on this journey sooner — but I am here now and our time is precious, so let’s just keep moving forward. ❤
To celebrate, I just want to share a few of my favorite things with you. I’m not sure how I missed this song, but I just heard it recently for the first time and it is basically everything…
And here are a few quotes from some of my favorite women!
“You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness.”
Brené Brown
“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
Maya Angelou
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
Anne Frank
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”
Madeleine Albright
And last, but not least…
“Which of my photographs is my favorite? The one I’m going to take tomorrow.”
Imogen Cunningham
Sarah J. Slover 