How? When? Thoughts on making decisions.

I think a lot about things I've learned in life and then I think about topics for a blog post like, "How to know when to quit your job", "When to work through it and when to walk away (in regards to dating)" and many other When/How topics. Mainly because I know we all ask a lot of questions and often want someone to tell us "How" to do/feel about/decide so many things in life. Often our decisions are validated by the decisions of someone else. I also love to share the things I've learned, hear the challenges people face and offer support. But as these thoughts role through my mind I am reminded that "What is true for me may not be true for you."

So then, how do we navigate the things life throws our way; the new, challenging, hard, good and unexpected?

I think there are some transferable truths that inform much of our process and decisions.
We need these concepts to be stored, remembered and engaged regularly.  

Based on my past experiences and preferred future, what is best for me?

I stole this one from my wise husband. Factor in your past and your desired future and ask yourself what is best? This is why I can't answer for you. My past is different from yours. So is my desired future.  I love this question because it takes the pressure off of the expectations based on what others have decided and invites in a personal process.

What do the people who know me best say?

Yes, our decisions are a personal process but there is wisdom in an outside perspective from people who we know and trust. Invite in, process and evaluate that wisdom.

What do I value?

Do you ever find yourself criticizing the decisions of others only to understand their process once you understand their why? At the core of our decisions our values come into play. We have a "Why". Our why informs so much about how we decide, take action and make shifts in our life. Things often become much clearer when our "why" is in sight.

What do I need to do?

Sometimes, our choice is less of a choice and more of need. Maybe it is a necessary decision to provide for our self or our family, maybe it is a need to remove ourselves from an unhealthy relationship or maybe it is a necessary change to bring us closer to our values.


Maybe you're still thinking, "But I just don't know...".
*Sometimes, we just have to make a choice, let that choice play out and make tweaks as needed.
Sometimes we have to invite in counsel (legit professional help, wise counsel from a mentor, etc.). Sometimes we have to wait. Sometimes we have to work towards a decision.
This post by no means covers the topic of decision making entirely. But if you are processing something (a shift, a desire, a new direction) maybe these questions can help you arrive at a decision.

If you are a Christian you might be wondering where God plays a role in this process. Oh yes, please pray. Please invite Him in. Please create space to listen. But then remember; He has given us the ability to choose. He has given us people to speak wisdom to us. He has given us life knowledge to inform what we do next. And He offers grace as we find ourselves needing to shift our choices.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the assessment that something else is more important than fear.”  - Franklin D Roosevelt

Here's to the courageous decisions that lead to the life we're creating, dreaming of and living. 

*This 'Sometimes' does not refer to life altering decisions. Many decisions are not to be taken lightly and those involve a bigger process.
**Dear friend, if I can offer a listening ear or a bit of wisdom, I am indeed here.
***Pictures from our Winter road trip because 1. What is a blog post without photos? and 2. I do my best contemplating in nature with my partner in all things life. 

Empty Lot Inspiration

There's an empty lot near my house. I love it for a few reasons.
1. It is empty. I love the space between homes and that it makes me feel like I am in a little rural spot for a minute.
2. It has been overgrown with tall green weeds from all this rain and it's so pretty! I knew someday they'd chop it all down (and they did just after this shoot).
3. We pretend it is our yard and play fetch with Winston in it.

So, all that to say, I really wanted to take some photos in the lot for fun. We were hoping to do them during the "big storm" but it was less big than expected. We also got stuck with shooting at noon due to schedules but hey, it was about getting creative.

I love noticing spots that might otherwise be "ugly" but have potential to be a fun and pretty backdrop. Anyone else do this?

Thanks to Taylor and her awesome roommates Ireland and Aubrey for playing in the lot.

Winston's First Snow Day

It's March. I know I need to accept Spring is coming. But I love Winter and want more of it (I know, the solution = move). I was stoked to pack up the car and head to Big Bear for the day. We couldn't wait to take Winston for his first snow outing and but the weather kept being less than ideal.

Finally, it was time!
Plus, our friends were there for a few days so we could to hang with them, too.

Cabin time, sledding, exploring the Village and a great meal together. Winston got to frolic through the snow and make some new friends.

Can I live in the mountains yet?

We're officially those dog people. And I love it.

The Merino Family | Adventure Session

Sessions that really bring out my clients' personality and unique moments are definitely one of my favorites. This session was definitely that and The Merinos were so fun and easy to document. It was clear that moments really matter and their energy with each other was so evident.

Part 1: Hike
Part 2: Play in the mud
Part 3: Hugs and snuggles
Part 4: Frozen Yogurt & backyard fun

Thanks for letting me join your adventure, Merino Fam!

Soup for a cozy night in | Thai Sweet Potato

Ok, so I am mainly posting this because I tell everyone how delicious it is and then they say, "What is the recipe?" and I never respond because I made it up and it's hard to share. Well, it was inspired by a recipe I found but with some tweaks. I was looking for different flavors while doing our first Whole30. Don't let that scare you, it's awesome!

So, if you're ready for soup with a kick and lots of flavor that is hearty and fresh... here it is! Make a huge batch and reheat for easy leftovers.

Thai Curry Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients:
Coconut milk - 1 Can
Chicken broth - 1 32 ounce box
Chicken thighs/breast - Lets say 2-3 lbs ( just buy a package from Sprouts)
Cilanto - 1/2 bushel
Sweet potato - 3 medium
Yellow/white Onion - 1
Curry powder
Chili powder
Garlic
Salt, Pepper


Let's do this:

1. Grab a big pot
2. Chop 1 onion and saute until tender in olive oil in a big pot (optional, add 1-2 garlic cloves).
3. Season with salt, pepper, curry powder, chili powder to taste (i use lots of curry powder for that yummy flavor).
4. Optional: Cook chicken (we prefer to grill but you can bake or stove top).
5. Once onions tender add 1 can coconut milk and 1 container chicken broth. I often add a little extra water, to make it go further.
6. Chop and add sweet potato (you can also add others like white potato, carrots, etc.).
7. Chop 1/4 bushel cilantro and add.
8. Let simmer until potatoes are tender.
9. Use an immersion blender (or pour into blender) to blend the soup until smooth. I leave it a little chunky.
10. Once chicken is cooked fully, chop and add to blended soup.
11. Top with avocado, fresh cilantro and lots of lime!

I am a fan of things that are forgiving.. not much measuring here. Just a pinch, a tad, a pour... Add your own spin on it and enjoy!

Enjoy! If you make it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

*Ignore the pumpkin decor (these photos are from Fall).