- Don't be so hard on yourself. 

(That's why it's okay I'm posting this on the 2nd and not the 1st like I planned, already taking my own advice, ha!) if you're doing the best you can then don't beat yourself up if that doesn't feel like it's enough. It's important to show kindness to others but it may be even more detrimental to show kindness to yourself. 

- Set crazy goals, but maintain realistic expectations. 

So that saying that goes "if you shoot for the moon then you'll land amongst the stars" or whatever - they're totally on to something. Set the biggest goal you can and work your ass off to get there. Even if you don't make it you're still further along than you would have been if you hadn't tried. If you do get there then own it (I'm rooting for you!) then that's an incredible accomplishment. The most important thing is that you never stop trying, you owe that to yourself. 

- Never let anyone else's opinion of you cloud how you view yourself. 

Stay true to who you are, the only person who knows your heart truly are you and God. You are worth so much more than you could even imagine. There is no one else like you out there so embrace that. Be unapologetically yourself and get out there and show them just how wrong they are. You are as strong as you choose to be. 

- Don't give any advice you wouldn't take. 

Oh, this one. If I could post this in every photography group while pounding a bottle of vodka I'm telling you I'd go out with a bang. It's a real problem. Pretty much while it's awesome to offer advice, be sure to be objective and certain it is advice that you yourself would take also if it was given by another party. Pretty much, don't be a dick. 

- Take time to be kind. 

Whether it's to a stranger, another professional, or a friend. It's so incredible how one kind gesture can completely turn someone's day around...heck it could completely change their life. So when the opportunity arises please share a kind word, a warm hug....or avoid typing "Wtf" on their post in aforementioned photography groups. I'm working on that last one A LOT this year. 

But above all this year you should OWN it! Make it this best to date, keep that head high and your heart in the right place. You can succeed so much with the right attitude and support system. This year, find your tribe, make your mark, and feed your soul! 

With love, 

Kayla 

She's by no means a bad kid. She just marches to the beat of her own drum. A loud, ridiculous drum. Her mouth moves faster than her brain, and her little looks can cut you to pieces like a knife. She is too friendly and shares too much. She will strike up a conversation with anyone in public, and her imagination can definitely get the better of her. She also has a smart mouth. She can drive me nuts - and I know I'm not the only person. I want to profusely apologize to her teacher as she talks with us, highlighting all the good about her before tip toeing around what needs improvement. Listen here lady, we live with her, you're not surprising us any. I actually want to apologize a lot to people for her. I worry that they are seeing all her rough little edges but not getting to see the kind, sweet girl that she is. 

I see that. I see her trying to mind her mouth when she's talking. I see her hugging her little brother and telling him she loves him. I see her making sure to use her manners when speaking to adults. I see her more than anyone else does. I see the hard headed-ness but I also see a little girl eager to please everyone around her. I see her rich with imagination and wonder. I see a little girl that sometimes feels overshadowed. I see that she just needs more love, and more understanding. 

It's not an excuse to let her act out or talk back, but it is a reminder that she's still learning, and trying so hard. I pray that others see that, that they take the time to love her quirks. We expect so much from children at a young age and I'm no different. In public I have pretty high standards and fairly well behaved children, but at home they need the chance to be kids. 

So, it's led me to think about all the children I've raised an eyebrow at, the ones that get under your skin a bit and you wonder what their parent is doing wrong. Children I knew very little about. I want to be more understanding. Every child out there is special to someone and I have no idea the circumstances that lead to their behavior. But I do know that somewhere there's a mom praying for that child just like I am praying for mine. Praying the world will be kind, praying others understand that you're trying your best, that your baby is trying its best. Praying they'll grow out of it. That they'll be loved. 

It's hard. It's really, really hard some days. Worrying about how she is when I'm not there, worrying about her "annoying" people. The best I can do for her is to love her, which I do so fiercely, even when it's hard. But just like I love her, I can love others. Instead of fretting when I see another child with such intense character, I can find the things to love. I can pray for them, pray for their parents, and pray for a world that's a little more kind and understanding. After all, we are shaping the future. It's our job to make it a better one, both by our actions and the children we raise for it. 

With a more open heart,

Kayla