…is go on a vacation. For the first time since I launched La Brisa, I went on a non work-related vacation. And it was glorious. Prior to departing, I prepped my laptop with numerous client sessions in my editing queue with the honest intention of finishing all of them on my trip. Thankfully for the future of my business (sorry current clients!), I never even looked at them; instead, I selfishly enjoyed and savored every opportunity and experience. My first legitimate vacation in 6+ years was the best thing that I have ever done for my business because now I feel rejuvenated, inspired and excited to return to doing what I love.
Over the last eleven phenomenal days, I was aboard a Princess cruise that traveled round trip from San Francisco, CA to Alaska. Intentionally, I only checked email once a day. Luckily, Autumn, Emma and Sarah were awesome to handle all the business stuff. And I didn’t think twice about anything. I relaxed. I slept. I spent the most time with Brisa since our honeymoon 7 years ago. I saw killer whales (thanks to Orca Spirit Adventures!). Brisa and I beat my mom and dad in ping pong (whoa). I toured the Alaskan Brewing Company. I read. I ate a ridiculous amount of seafood and, in general, all food. I played with Alaskan Husky sled dogs (thanks to Gold Rush!). I traveled aboard the White Pass train. I witnessed salmon leaping upstream. Brisa was hypnotized (seriously, it was unreal). And most importantly, Brisa and I celebrated my parents’ 45th wedding anniversary. A huge thank you goes to my parents for inviting us to join their celebratory vacation! We hope to have a marriage like theirs and we love them both so much!
To my photographer friends…invest the time to truly appreciate why you work so hard, sacrifice so much and struggle, daily, with your work/life balance. Your business will be there when you return and you will be a much better PERSON by prioritizing yourself.
As I prepare to head to Indiana on Friday for Jenna and Isaac‘s awesome wedding, I am refreshed, re-focused and rededicated to preserving relationships.
Happy Future Vacationing,
~ Chris
