... saying no ...

Just a short sweet one today.  Back to back weddings, proofing sessions, print orders to fill and family sessions this week -- I am one busy (happy) gal!

As a people pleaser, I have a hard time saying no.  I tend to do what makes other feel comfortable and that put me in quite a rut for a vast majority of time.  It was not until I learned that saying no was okay that I really learned that I can choose my own path.

In learning to say no, I also learned that everyone might not always like my answer.  It might not be the popular choice, but it is my choice.  In the end, if it betters me as a person, our family is happy with it, and we can live with our decisions then I am okay.

Some times I have said no...

1. No more working as a nanny.  It allowed me to start my own family.  I can not imagine life without V. 
2. No being a full time stay-at-home mom, yes to working as a photographer.  It has allowed our family to experience things we have never dreamed of.  It has taken me to places I never thought I would go.  
3. No to accepting a religion's influence to choose how I vote/view issues.  It has allowed me to meet and photograph two amazing people that I can not imagine not knowing.  It has allowed me to view two people so in love that it encourages me to be a better wife!
4. No to feeling bad about my appearance.  I may not be the skinny mini I once was, but I am comfortable in my skin.  I love my clothes (shopping!) and my curves.

So there you have it... just a few ways the word NO has allowed me to grow as a person.