Out like a lion… 2018

Well. 2018 kind of went out like a lion.  They say out like a lion, in light a lamb, right?
 
A good chunk of the year felt like the Lange's were fighting to metaphorically survive the next day, the week, the month.
 
2018 was the year we FINALLY got Ella sleeping (although it still takes her two hours to fall asleep- I'll give a free session to whomever can tell me why and how to fix it) and this momma finally got to start sleeping more as well. I. Felt. Amazing.
 
Gemma started kindergarten the same month my husband also went back to school while launching his own fishing guide business. New schedules, new routines, new struggles, new accomplishments.
 
Every day I woke up and something had changed, half the time something had broken, but hey- that's life with home ownership, life with kids, dog, cars, small business, etc, right?  The important thing is we all kept waking up and kept going.
 
I really wanted to be upbeat and cheery and all the things you're supposed to be when welcoming a new year. But I'm not going to lie and say that's necessarily the case.  2018 was kind of a tough year, and I worry that 2019 will be one of recovery more so than the growth I desperately crave.
 
I've read (and am reading) books on how to reset, be a more present wife, improve my parenting, be fearless, be brave.
 
I've unplugged from social media to get a grasp on the reality I have in front of me, not the one in cyberspace- but I do miss seeing my clients posts, and when the images I've poured my heart and soul into creating are shared and loved.
 
So for 2019, I'm going to continue to work on me. And HGP. But I have a feeling that without some personal growth, HGP will stagnate as much as I feel like I have personally this year.
For 2019, as I did with 2018 and the years before, I'll still work on being kind, empathetic, self-aware, and more tolerant.  And I hope you'll join me.  But in addition to the aforementioned qualities, I hope you find peace, mindfulness, joy, courage, and balance in your every day life.  I hope the love you feel and the love you give increases exponentially.
This year wasn't necessarily an easy one.  We we're never guaranteed easy, though.  Fortunately, we can all learn from the hard while enjoying the good and easy and we'll grow.  I look forward to seeing you all in my studio or at my favorite spots around town for a family session this coming year.  HGP is growing certain aspects while changing gears from others and I can't wait to share.  I look forward to 2019 for both personal and professional growth and can't wait to share another blog in a years time about what all I've learned.
Love and light,
Jen