Within and Without

"I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life"

The Great Gatsby -- F Scott Fitzgerald

This last weekend was a bit of a roller coaster.

I spent an entire two and half days running around doing errands, making appearances at events, and heading off to meet some new clients.

It was tiring to say the least.

Stephen was kind enough to drive me to my family shoot yesterday afternoon. I am so grateful for him. We got to the area a little early and we decided to just sit for a moment and take in a few deep breathes before heading off to my booking. I didn't want to though, I wanted to keep on moving and get my checklist done, but Stephen assured me that I needed this tiny break. And so we sat on the grass, by the trees, watching the wind move the leaves around in circles. We only stayed like this for about 15minutes. So short but ever so sweet.

Sometimes you just have to stop what you're doing for a moment and realise that it isn't the world that's moving fast around you, it's you that's moving fast around the world. If you just stop for a moment, you realise that time can stand still, even if it is just for a moment.

Occasionally, I feel very alienated from life and I don't mean that in the lonely way but I mean I sometimes don't feel present. I feel like I am so busy, running around, making my life what I want it to be, that I end up not being in my life at all. The moment I stop everything and take a breathe however, I suddenly start to feel present again. I move more slowly, but I take in more of everything.

I was so thankful for Stephen for making me stop. It cleared my head and relaxed me. It reminded me that I need to declutter my life and live more simply. I feel like I am missing out on such great moments that are to be enjoyed.

I encourage you to stop what you're doing right now. Walk away from your desk, phone, computer, or tablet and go outside for 5 min and take in the moment. Clear your mind and inhale deeply. Trust me, you won't regret it.