Well, it’s been quite a while since my last blog post. This has meant rest, relaxation, time spent with friends and family, more yoga, and some big business leaps.

The holidays were both relaxing and busy at the same time. Between lunch dates and a few scheduled shoots, I found time to put away the computer and spend a few lazy days on the couch. I find I never realize how much I need those days until I can actually take them. It’s been an incredibly busy few months with no stopping. Still working a full time job, I am also running my photography business while training to become a yoga instructor. It’s sometimes difficult to find the time to even make dinner or fold laundry. My husband has been a great support to me in the last few months (husband of the year!) but I still find myself unable to keep up with the tasks of daily life.

I was also really busy leading up to the Wedding Palace Bridal Show, where I had a booth a few weekends ago. Lots of preparation went in to making sure I had everything I needed before the big weekend. Here I am working the booth:

The new year brought about one resolution I hope to keep. Following a discussion we had in a previous yoga teacher training weekend, we talked about one of the Yamas: Asteya. Directly translated it means “non-stealing/non-coveting” which can be interpreted as simply or as complexly as you’d like. Don’t steal from others. Be happy with what you have, not what you wish you had. This lululemon blog post says it best:
“When we choose to practice Asteya, we attract abundance in our lives because we no longer desire things that exist outside ourselves. We no longer feel the sense of entitlement that can drive us towards stealing and coveting behaviours. We learn through Asteya that everything we need in life is already within us”. http://blog.lululemon.com/asteya-in-action/

From this Yama, I made a choice moving forward: I no longer want to steal time away from myself. I’m not super human, I can’t edit a shoot, while doing the dishes and talking to a friend on the phone. Well…maybe I could…but NO. I won’t. I always want to over deliver, multi-task, and do everything all at once…leaving no time for myself. I’m envious of those who have time to read a book or go out with friends while I’m stuck at home behind my computer. I’m a time stealer. Hello my name is Ashley and I’m addicted to over-achieving.

So back to my new years resolution: be happy with where I am at in the present moment. This involves making a plan, a plan to shut down the computer at 8pm, fitting in time to go to yoga, take a bubble bath , read a book, make tea, sit quietly, listen to music…whatever. Time for ME. This might be incredibly selfish…but I’m fine with that. If something doesn’t get done today, I can do it tomorrow (this makes me sound like the least productive person on earth, but really, I promise I’m not!).

Ok enough about myself. I’ll leave you with a few pics of this adorable fam I photographed over the holidays. And yes, I’m only getting to blogging them now. I’m sorry, I’ve been busy. Busy working on not being so busy.

Happy Tuesday, friends! Stay cozy xoxo