So – if you don’t know by now that I’m a pretty emotional and introspective person – this is probably the first blog of mine that you’ve read. But to those of you that are familiar with me, it will come as no surprise to you that the whole “Turning the calendar to a new year” thing causes a LOT of emotions, thoughts, introspections, retrospections (and all of that nerdy stuff that goes on in my head)
It’s funny because the reality is… nothing really “changes” when January 1st comes around. Right? But… I guess there’s something in me (and a lot of us) that likes that whole idea of a “fresh start” … To do those things that we’ve been wanting to do to become the best versions of ourselves. The version of the person that we are at our core. The person who is always trying to sneak out but things like “work” and “time” and “stress” and “what will people think of me?” get in the way.
While 2014 challenged the heck out of the “Brea” part of “Photography by Brea” … there is so much from which to learn and grow from my personal experiences. But I’m committed to taking that challenge and building from it in 2015. And what I found to be even extra awesome in my ritual “look back” … is that browsing through some images we created together in 2014, you all served up some beautiful inspiration that I will also be taking with me into Twenty Fifteen.
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When we disconnect with “life” we connect with the things that are truly important.
If we all had a little more sense of wonder, what would we discover about the world, about each other, and about ourselves?
Understand the things and the people in life that bring you genuine joy.
Somewhere… someone needs an arm on their shoulder. Find the shoulder. Be the arm.
Play more.
Dance in the rain. Even if you’re mad at it… sick of it… or don’t understand it. It’s there to teach you something. Embrace it.
Smother those you love with…. love.
Sometimes imperfect is absolutely perfect.
The generations before us paved our way… recognize our responsibility to pave the way for the next ones.
Friendships are an important part of our lives. Foster them.
Believe that there is a little magic in everything.
Don’t take yourself so seriously….
… Seriously…
Remember that how beautiful you are on the outside has everything to do with how alive your spirit is in on the inside.
We have the most fun when we let go.
There is great peace in great company. Surround yourself with people who bring calm to your life.
The future has no boundaries when you surround yourself with the right people to take the journey with you.
Life can be complicated. Find the simplicity. There is so much beauty in simplicity.
Kids need us. They need our love. They need our example. They need us to show them the way. Let’s always remind them we are there.
It’s a beautiful thing when great things happen for our friends. Celebrate that like your own successes.
Being a Mom doesn’t define us. It’s a part of us.
Laugh every day. It makes the bad times better, and the good times the best.
We all need someone to protect us. Let other people in.
Don’t be afraid to ditch the path and make your own way.
Get more sleep.
Be goofy when you want to be. And don’t care what anyone has to say about it.
Love deeply.
… and never stop dating.
Life begins and ends with family.
Authenticity is our most beautiful asset.
Anything is possible with love.
There is hope everywhere. Sometimes you just have to look for it.
Sometimes our best friendships are within our own walls.
Say “I love you” every day.
And most importantly… remember that even in your darkest moments… life has a beautiful reason for it all. Don’t ever stop trying to find it.
