Welcome back for the next segment in the Joy Thigpen Workshop recap!  So you are probably going to hear a lot about how much I loved this workshop and how amazing everyone was that attended.  I wish I had written these posts right after attending while things where so fresh on my brain.

In my notes from the workshop I wrote down the following things:

 1-What are my goals?  What are my values? And most important what do I want out of life?

2-What kind of lifestyle do I want to live?

3-What does my ideal day look like?  Do I answer emails, go to meetings, and damage control all day?  Or do I get to spend time networking with creative, designing, and growing in my art?  What does my ideal week look like? How many events am I taking on?  Do I get any alone time with my boys?   What does my ideal year look like? Am I adding in travel time, vacations, and unique job opportunities?

4-How do I want my life to look in 5, 10, 30 years?

5-What do I want people to remember of me when I am old?

These are all REALLY powerful questions.  And questions I don’t think a lot of people take the time to answer.  I am going to take the time to dissect each of these questions in another blog series because I think they are that important.  However I am going to just hit some highlights in this post.

Last year was my busiest year to date.  I was truly blessed by my successes and the wonderful opportunities that were given to me.  However, last year was the first year in 13 that I ever felt burnout in July with 20 plus events left to go.  To me that was a HUGE eye opener.  I desperately needed to answer these questions.  Put the answers in a place I could see daily and not lose sight of the end goal.

So this year I am taking on less inspiration shoots.  And the ones I am apart of are truly something special to me.  I am also working with clients that I feel a strong connection to and that fit my brand.  I would love to work with every person who contacts me but here is a bold statement.  I can’t and I won’t.  And the reason is this; I truly feel that each event should be custom and a direct reflection of your personality.  If your personality does not jive with mine how would we ever create something magical?  In my mind there are perfect fit vendors and as the bride you should find the vendors that make you giddy inside!  Because those vendors are your perfect fit.  It doesn’t hurt my feelings anymore if a bride tells me they chose another florist or planner because I know they chose someone who is a better fit for them.  Find your perfect fit!!!

I am making these adjustments so I can play with my boys.  So I can go on vacations with my husband.  So I can spend time in my gardens getting my fingers dirty.  And so I can work on my food styling and cooking.  These are all things that inspire me!  And when I am feeling inspired it is reflected in my work.  If I am burned out I won’t be able to give my clients fresh and unique ideas.  I won’t be able to offer them that great advice when they need it because my mind will be somewhere else.  I want to be present and aware and I feel like it is my obligation as well.

I am so excited that this year is already going as planned.  Even though I feel a little lazy sometimes I need to remember my goals and focus on not just this year but what I want to achieve in 5, 10, & 30 years from now.

Below are some images of The Roost at Serenbe provided by Kelly at Intertwine.  This is the little cottage I stayed in for the four days I was at the workshop.  Can I just say this cottage is EXACTLY what I would want my future house or studio to look like isn’t the kitchen amazing!?!