Seems like we hear people talk about the struggle they have with finding balance in their life. Balancing family and career. I don't really believe in balance. The reality, in my opinion is that some things will require more of your time that others. And should get that time. I think the problem comes when the scales are tipping the wrong way. And mine are. So I'm going to do something a little radical. And I'm nervous,  yet feel an unbelievable peace.

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For the last 5 years I have worked to build my skills, knowledge, client base, reputation, to build my business. This fall I'm finally meeting the goal Ive been working towards, as far as how many photo/birth clients I wanted a month, and having that steadily each month.  But its the timing of this accomplishment that is the challenge right now. As most of you know, we welcomed our 3rd daughter to the world on June 7th. I was back to work doing photography and grooming (Did you know I'm also a dog groomer?) very soon after she was born. Within weeks due to need and demand.

Birth work picked back up in August. I never intended to be on call with a brand new baby. But the mamas who called for the fall were very special to me, and I don't regret saying yes to them for a moment. But then the flood of amazing mamas came in. I was really excited, and honored that so many would want me to be part of their experiences.

I'm starting to get a flood of inquiries for the new year. This should be a dream come true! My business goals finally being achieved. But instead of excitement,  I don't feel at peace when I think of adding moms to my calendar for 2014.  My scale is tipping the wrong way. Right now, in this season of life, I need to be tipping towards my family more than usual. They need more of me now, than they really have before. There have been a lot of major transitions for us this year.  But my reality is that my "work" is not what I do, but who I am. And because of that, cutting back my load never lasts very long. As long as I'm pursuing "work" I am fully in. No matter how few or how many clients I have. Its just how I think, how I work, how I chase my passions.  And while it is a good thing, the timing is not good for my family. 

Family Photo by Sweet Plum Photography

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So, after much prayer, seeking God's guidance, and that of those who care about me and my family, I have decided to take a break. This break will begin after I am done serving my 2013 families. (And ladies- I am still excited as ever to be part of your coming births!)  At this point I feel like I'm being led to take at least a year, but I'm going to be taking life a day at time.

Recently I added new team members, and at this very same time, we ALL have our plates so full that our families need more of us. So it looks like we are taking a full team break as we tend to our families. To the reasons most of us started this work in the first place.

I know not everyone will understand. But that's ok. I know me. I know my family. And know I won't regret more time with them.

My faith is a big part of my life, and I truly want to seek God's plan for me. Ive been sensing strongly for awhile that this is what I needed to do. But a friend I was seeking counsel from asked me a question. "Do you have peace with how things are now?" (meaning keeping on working, or even choosing to cut back vs take a full break) and I couldn't say yes....

" But I LOVE LOVE LOVE this work. I love being at births and teaching families, I feel I'm a very good doula and a good photographer. It seems so natural, business is successful right now, why don't I feel this peace??", I kept thinking.

Its all in the timing right now. Its not the right time for my to be on call, to have my schedule so full that some days Ive got commitments every night.  Even though a birth is one day, its often months of holding that woman in your thoughts, and planning for the day the call comes in to go. And teaching, while only a few hours, still takes me away for a chunk of the day.  And I love all those things.  So I know when the time is right, and I feel peaceful about jumping back into it, and my family is ready for it,  it will be the most amazing thing!

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This sorta explains it all:

"Most pastors will teach that when you are seeking to find God's will, you can identify the leading of the Holy Spirit when you sense God's peace about a matter. I agree, and I believe that is absolutely true. The peace of God is one of the key indicators of God's guidance. Colossians 3:15 tells us to let the peace of God rule in [our] hearts. Peace is the umpire of our heart, telling us if we are "safe" in God's will, or "out," following our own path."

So that's my signal. And oddly, once I set it in my heart that this is what I am going to do.... peace flooded my heart. I was afraid to make this choice.  Feeling relevant in our community has always been important to me. The business woman in me knows that out of sight, out of mind is real and taking a break when things are just climaxing may not make business sense, but that's ok.  Really, how can I serve other families if I'm not serving mine first the way they need.

So feel free to contact me about services- I still want to help you find the perfect person for your birth!  And I will be around, working on some volunteer work, doing a few photography projects, working with mamas on occasion, trying new skills and more.

Photo by Sweet Plum Photography