Goal Making

I've always been a huge supporter of lists, goals, and challenging oneself. In the past I've struggled with perfection, where the goals I would make were completely unrealistic. I would feel awful if I didn't meet my lofty expectations. Thankfully I have learnt through this experience the difference between challenging oneself with goals and hurting oneself. Now, if I don't accomplish a certain goal, I simply re-evaluate! For example, at the beginning of Summer I made the goal to run at least 10k a week. Well, running on the treadmill with the kind of weather we've been having (HOT HOT) was more than unappealing. I changed my goal to doing some kind of activity four times a week and was much happier that way, AND actually enjoyed working on my goal. Life is too short to be doing something you don't enjoy.

Oh, and these photos? Somewhat unrelated.. But small reminders to myself to slow down and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me in the everyday. Now that is a goal I'll always aim for.

Much love, Vivi

A Day at the Lake

 Silver Water

A gentle breeze

Ice cream (on waffle cones) 

Light 

and

Family

 

Much love, Vivi

p.s. I updated my "about me" page. Link is in the side bar. :)

Living: Things to do more of

Often I think of things that I need to do less of. Less time on the computer, less negative thinking, less eating of chocolate for lunch.. etc. But the only time doing less of these things is really worthwhile is when we replace the less of something with the more of something else.

This morning I listened to a Joyce Meyer podcast and she said something that really struck me. Instead of focusing on not thinking negative thoughts, we should simply think positive ones! By doing this, there isn't any room left for negative thoughts. Positive, life-giving thoughts take up so much room that negative ones can't even make their way in.

Instead of thinking about what I shouldn't be doing, I'm changing my focus onto what I should increase in my life. Here are a few things that continue to inspire me and I hope that they may do the same for you.

More art. More creativity!

More taking action and simply doing what I love with boldness that it doesn't have to be perfect or look like Picasso.

More smiling.

More waking up praising God for the day that is.

More living in the present and enjoying each thing that I do.

More red lipstick.

More rocking the style that I love with confidence. More boldness in who I am in Christ. More natural beauty.

More comfort in my own skin.

More conversation.

 More caring about people's hearts and dreams.

More listening to what they have to say.

More brainy books. More knowledge, more truth.

More peace. More honest, simple living.

More roasted vegetables, creamy oatmeal, green tea.

More catchy music. More dancing in the kitchen to songs I've never heard before.
More forgiveness.  

Much love, Vivi

Shelby & Tanner// Round Three

If you're a long time blog reader, these two faces are very familiar. ;) I first took pictures of these two almost two years ago,  and then again last March. Tanner and Shelby are my go to models. They are naturals in front of the camera and such a joy to capture. When Shelby told me that Tanner and she were working on vintage bikes, I jumped on the opportunity and said a shoot was more than necessary when the bikes were complete. And last night, when the sun was just setting and the golden horizon was in its full glory, these two rode while I snapped away....

Much love, Vivi