There will be many chapters in life, don't get lost in the one you're in now.

Easier said than done aye? I’ve found myself over the last few weeks getting completely lost in this COVID-19 chapter that we are all in right now. I thought I’d pen my thoughts and maybe it would be interesting to read, but really, I think it is actually just helpful for me to put pen to paper and do some of my own reflecting on life!

Stepping off the hamster wheel for a second for a lot of people I think is needed. A time to talk more, be present and just slow down. When I look back on the past few months of the things that were in my mind then, the worry, the fears, what if my business doesn’t work out, what if I fail, when will we buy a house blah blah blah – none of it matters! Health really is wealth. And the amazing community spirit and the way we are pulling together to heal the world, I find myself smiling more at the little things, remembering that first clap we did for the Carers, it really did give me goosebumps. If one great positive can come of this will be that finally everyone will appreciate the NHS and realise how truly lucky we are to be in a country where we feel safe god forbid we would need to be looked after.

So back to topic, reflecting on my work and my life as a newborn and baby photographer. I absolutely love my job, I meet so many different families and so many different little characters come into the studio, everyone unique and special. Every time a client enquiries, books, even when they turn up for a session I get a little ‘yippie’ feeling that I’m actually making a success of something. For me there is still lots to perfect and I have lots of ambitions of where I want the business to go, but I am learning how not to compare, not to be too self-critical, but also take criticism on the chin and not beat yourself up if things don’t turn out exactly as you thought. Reflecting on the past 9 months since I started taking this crazy idea seriously, I know I have come leaps and bounds, and how doing things that sometimes seems scary/ stupid/ impossible can turn out to be the things you are most proud of.

So I’ve decided I don’t want to look back on this time negatively, how it was such a waste of time and how much momentum has been lost, but rather think about what I have achieved and learnt, be it as small as growing something for the first time (if you’ve seen my stories you’ll understand!), getting more creative in the kitchen, exercising everyday (even if it is just 10 minutes of yoga in the morning), and just living each day and appreciating the good things.

Here’s a few snap shots of my ‘normal life’ of 9-5, I can’t wait to get back to the studio and get behind the camera again, hopefully refreshed, a better photographer and better outlook on life.