2020 Rearview - in the Vancouver boudoir studio

Dec 29

2020 - What a year!

I am sure, like me, many of you have found yourselves hung up on all the negatives this year brought about. Some of which, for me, were seemingly devastating at the time, even without a world wide pandemic. However, now that the longest year ever is finally coming to a close, I find myself looking back at 2020, in the rearview mirror, with a lighter heart.

While the studio saw far fewer clients than an average year, this year was anything but average.

So many men came in for sessions this year. More than any year before! This is something worth celebrating!

People commemorating milestone birthday’s - long awaited pregnancy announcements, anniversaries, and personal achievements. While other’s were looking to level up their self confidence and (re)connect with themselves.

I love how each story, just like each person, is so unique and beautiful.

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For me, 2020 saw the loss of a community that meant a lot to me.
My oldest son moved nearly 5 hours away (this will be our first Christmas without him)
Realized I am not cut out to home school, even for a short time.
My body is starting to revolt against me for neglecting it. Work in progress.
My travel plans, that would have seen me finally leave the continent were postponed.
And of course…. Covid-19.

I could get hung up on these things; let them take over my life and happiness. But what good does that do or bring?
I made the conscious choice to shift for my perception and focus.
I wake up every morning and sit for a moment in gratitude.
I set my intentions for the day (these are not the same as goals)

Setting intentions is the act of stating what you intend to accomplish through your actions. It's a commitment to what you want the journey to be about as you move on or move up. When you are intentional about something, your focus is in the moment: who you are, what you do, why you do it.

Vancouver Boudoir Photo Studio BEST OF 2020_0057.jpg — Intentions vs. Goals

There’s a common misconception that goals and intentions are the same thing; that the two words can be used interchangeably.
There are, however, distinct characteristics associated with each of them.
Intentions provide you with reminders of how you want to live your life. They’re often related to internal things like motivation and inspiration.
Moreover, they could be associated with characteristics you display toward yourself or others, such as kindness or openness.

“Intention is one of the most powerful forces there is. What you mean when you do a thing will always determine the outcome.” ~ Brenna Yovanoff

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Here are some examples:

I intend to live every waking minute of every day conscious, awake and aware and in the present moment, while feeling as much joy as possible.
I intend to support my children in separate but loving ways without enabling, and to see them as the strong, loving, capable, creative and successful people they are.
I intend, no matter what the challenge or opportunities my partner and I face, to always remember the love.
I intend to stop taking things personally.
I intend to see the goodness around me.
I intend to make mindfulness an important part of each day.
I intend to work with like-valued people, who I enjoy immensely and feel greatly supported by.
I intend that my physical body is one hundred percent vital, healthy and filled with energy.
I intend that those who do not add to the positive resonance of our homes are not drawn to visit or work in them.