Life is funny, isn’t it? You can have a plan, work hard toward it, and then, before you know it, you’re standing on the edge of a new year, wondering what’s next. That’s exactly how I felt when 2010 wrapped up. Sure, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos, but when I took a moment to pause, I realized there were so many things I still wanted to do. So many goals, big and small, things I’ve dreamed about, and some that just seemed like a lot of fun.
I remember this one moment—standing in Maui, the sun setting, the sky painted in pinks and oranges—and I realized how much I wanted to soak in life’s little moments, not just hustle through them. So, I got to thinking. What could I do in the next three years? I started writing them down, goals that were challenging, fun, and some a little quirky. I realized that small goals are often the best motivators. They push you forward. That’s what I learned from a workshop I attended in 2010. One story stuck with me: a man had a goal to go cliff jumping. When the opportunity arose, he almost chickened out, but he remembered his list. That’s the power of having goals—it makes you jump.
I’ve been making lists like this for years, and I’ve found that writing them down gives them power. So, here’s a glimpse of what’s on my mind as I look toward the future:
- Ice skate at Rockefeller Center
- Ride in a helicopter (one of my big fears, so this one’s a challenge)
- Take my kids to Disneyland (it’s on the to-do list every year!)
- Shoot a wedding in Santorini, Greece (a dream I’ve been chasing for years)
- Host an annual retreat for fellow moms who are photographers
- Go to a Broadway show (this one feels like such a classic thing to check off)
Some are easy, some are crazy, but all of them are things I want to experience. The list is personal, yet it’s full of moments that will shape not just my career as a boudoir photographer, but also my family life and the kind of woman I want to be.
As a photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing many beautiful moments, but there’s so much more to see and do.
Tangible Goals for Work and Life
- Shoot at least two weddings in Santorini (let’s be real—who wouldn’t want to photograph a wedding there?)
- Collaborate with amazing creatives like Zach and Jody Gray (I admire their work and their spirit)
- Get published in 3 magazines and 10 blogs (a photographer’s dream!)
- Create my dream workspace (I’ve been putting it off far too long)
But it’s not just about career goals. There’s a lot more to life than work. I want to spend quality time with my family. So, there are smaller, more meaningful moments too:
- Take my daughter on a girly overnight date every fall (shopping, manicures, and lots of laughs)
- Help a photographer start their own business (passing on what I know)
- Mentor 3 people a year (being part of their journey means the world)
Sometimes the simple things matter most:
- Don’t go to bed angry (this one is huge—life’s too short for grudges)
- Buy new socks (we all need that little joy)
- Make a snowman bigger than me (okay, this one’s just for fun, but hey, why not?)
What I’ve Learned from My Photography Journey
When I first started in boudoir photography, I had no idea the kind of impact it would have—not just on my clients, but on me. I’ve watched women come in unsure, maybe a little nervous, and leave with a newfound confidence. That’s the beauty of this work. It’s more than just about capturing images; it’s about creating an experience that empowers people.
So when I look at my list, I think about the moments I’ve captured for others, and how I can create moments like that for myself too. Life is short, and time moves fast. I don’t want to wait for some perfect moment to start living the life I dream about.
This is my call to action: set those goals. Don’t overthink it. Write them down, share them with the world, and make them happen. The ones that scare you? Do them anyway. They might just be the best memories of your life.
If you’re looking for something more than just beautiful photos, if you want an experience that helps you celebrate your own beauty and strength, I’d love to help you create that. Reach out to me, and let’s make some magic.
And as always, I love hearing from you. Whether you’re a fellow photographer, someone chasing your dreams, or just someone who stumbled across this post—let’s connect. Share your own goals, or ask me about mine. Life’s too short to go through it alone.
