Last month, in November, I felt genuinely excited. I had just started working with a new mentor, my sessions were lining up nicely, and for the first time in a while, I felt hopeful about the future.
And then… life happened.
Out of nowhere, Evelyn brought a virus home. She got sick, and at the same time I had deadlines, projects to finish, and a presentation to prepare for a networking event. So there I was: working, planning, preparing, with Evelyn sitting on my lap.
It was hard, but I pushed through. Somehow, I still had the energy, and I was excited about what I was building.
She was sick for a week.
Then she finally got better and went back to daycare… and almost immediately, Sophia got sick. High fever. Coughing. No breaks.
At that point, my excitement for the projects started to fade. Not because I didn’t care, but because my energy was gone. My priority shifted, as it always does. My children come first. I managed to finish everything I needed to finish, on time, but inside I felt torn. There was simply no space left for my business while caring for sick kids.
By the end of that week, Sophia finally started feeling better, and I was so happy, because I had photo sessions scheduled that weekend.
I showed up. I photographed two beautiful families. We had a great time. I came home early in the afternoon… and I knew something was off.
My energy dropped even more.
Sunday morning, I woke up with a fever. It was my turn.
The girls were better, but I wasn’t. I hoped I’d recover quickly, I really did, but instead, things got worse. The fever stayed. The coughing didn’t stop. I couldn’t even get an appointment with my doctor because everything was booked. The only slot available was the following Monday.
By the time Monday came, I was desperate. I needed help. I was exhausted, coughing non-stop. The doctor prescribed antibiotics, but after a couple of days, it was clear they weren’t working.
We had a follow-up appointment, I told him the fever was still there, that I felt awful, that nothing had improved. He prescribed a second round of antibiotics. I started them immediately! That day was one of the hardest days I’ve had. I couldn’t breathe properly. I was coughing constantly, sweating, and running a high fever.
Realization
My husband was home with me that week, because I got him sick too, and we basically spent the entire week together, in one bed, recovering side by side.
And in the middle of all that, I realized something. Even though I felt awful physically, I didn’t feel alone. He was there. I wasn’t by myself.
This is now my third week of being sick. The second round of antibiotics is finally working. I’m coughing less. I’m slowly coming back to myself. And now the holidays are here.
This time it feels like a gift, a chance to be home, to be with my family, to restore my energy. I’m deeply thankful for this pause. It made me realize how important it is to take care of my health and to intentionally plan time for all areas of my life, not just business.
Somewhere along the way, I slipped into thinking only about the business… and I forgot that I am also a mom, a wife, a woman.
This experience reminded me that balance isn’t optional.
I’m so grateful for my family, for loving me no matter how tired or grumpy I am, for being here with me through all of it.
I’m thankful for this time at home, for the space to reflect on the past month, and for the chance to slow down.
We’ll celebrate the holidays together. Fully present. Fully grateful. Business will continue later, and that’s okay. It’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to rest. It’s not just helpful, it’s just so necessary.
Take care of yourselves. Take care of your health. Be with your people. And most of all, Enjoy your family!!
Merry Christmas 🤍
Blog
Mothers Deserve to Be in the Photos
Children Personalities in Photos
What Does Family Really Mean?
My Why — Why Family Photography?
Minimal Poses, Maximum Authenticity
Why I love dark and moody looks.
