the five year plan

I like to say that I’m goal oriented…that was until someone asked me, “What goals are you working on now?” and then I looked at him, clueless. When I reflect over the past few years and especially the last few months, I see that I am, can be…sort of.

For example, every year, I set goals… do I achieve them? Why yes, yes I DO! all of them? that’s questionable. But take this year for example, the goal is to live in peace, to be less busy. And can I just say, I’m on a roll, damn girl! I may not have always felt the peace, but in God doing His will, I know it’s there (even when patience isn’t).

Let’s recap shall we.

I QUIT MY JOB–time is all I have on my hands (and no, I’m not that busy), I have peace!
I’m about to do a half marathon in 23 days–I won’t be ready, but the fact that I’m doing something for me, it brings me peace.
I’m not a reader, I don’t get pleasure out of sitting still using my imagination, but I’ve decided to try. I finished 1 out of 3 books yesterday (I’m questioning whether I should mention it was a book written for young adults…and so is book #2). Still, I’m accomplishing a goal, and that gives me peace.
Be a better steward for God’s church, I’m returning to a cheerful heart, will come back to that one before the year is over.
Record my life in pictures. I know I’m a month behind (almost 2) in posting to the snapshot blog, but they’re coming, I promise….
Blog weekly. I would call myself a for real blogger now… and I’m just about ready to launch a second…..wait for it….
Play my guitar. (so I need to be honest and say, still no new strings) I’ll come back to that one too….
Pet Peeves. I must be learning patience, because I can’t remember the last one that I posted. That’s awesome (for me.. and probably you too)…just sayin’
BE BOLD. This is my favorite, and where I’ll stop the recap today, because me being bold is too much to handle right now.

In my last post I revealed that I want to start my own photography business by the time I am 30. Guess what friends, in my boldness (and because of the overwhelming sense of support), I’m about 1547 days early!

I probably should have clarified in that last post, I want to be a full-time photographer (complete with my own natural light studio) by the time I am 30. In the mean time, yes, I’ve started my own photography business. Started? Starting… Launching? I’m being bold!

It’s been one week, (since you looked at me, cocked your head to the side and said I’m angry…sorry, when I’m happy I have a tendency to break out into song..). One week, and here I am. About to launch a killer photography blog/website and already scheduling sessions just in time for mothers day. Want to schedule a session? I’m offering 50% off, a portfolio building rate. <– sorry, had to do my piece of marketing.

So I’m on a five year plan. Here’s what some of it entails:

Be financially stable to dive full-time into Beholding You Photography, with passion, with zeal, with out looking back. (create business and financial plan–now!)
Obtain Small Business License and Tax ID
Buy back-up equipment
Upgrade my 4 year old macbook and buy an iMac (the big 27-inch..loaded!!)
Collect photo props
Become a member of the National Association of Professional Child Photographers
Enroll in newborn photography and photoshop classes
Hire an assistant

Anyone want to help me… <smiles>

I can’t tell if I’m happier because I can see where my life is going, where God is taking it, or if I’m happier because I’m able to get out of bed in the morning. I can’t tell if this is because God gave me a reason to get out of bed, or because life is finally moving forward. I think ultimately it’s because I’m finally accepting the lesson of patience that God has been trying to teach me for my entire life.

Patience is a virtue. I get it now. It takes strength and determination. It gives us worth and understanding. It creates principles, benefits, and efficiency. There is reason, and here is mine: I want purpose, I want to live with passion again. I want to give people something to smile for. I want God to smile at me. I want to make my loves proud.

So today (and for the next five years), I will let whatever be done be enough, just enough.