Are you having fun?

I like photography.

I forgot.

I started learning photography over 15 years ago as a young mom. I bought a Canon Rebel off Craigslist and a book on photography and taught myself how to use it in the few moments of spare time that I could find.

I never planned to be a professional photographer. I did a few free shoots for friends until one thing led to another and I found myself unexpectedly divorced and thankful that I had been slowly growing this wedding photography business over the past years. Photography provided for us, but in that process I lost my passion.

For Valentine’s Day my partner gave me one of the most thoughtful and unexpected gifts I have ever received- a darkroom kit. While I had grown a wedding photography business I have never developed my own film, but I’d always wanted to. I felt deeply seen and known by this gift.

He and I started reading a book called The Artist Way at the beginning of the year. It’s not just a book, but an entire process of creative unblocking through daily journaling, weekly creative alone time, and a 12 week commitment to facing your fears and hindrances.

Shooting on film again, receiving the darkroom supplies, and plans to put it together over Spring Break (stay tuned!) have allowed me the nudge and the openness to rediscover a part of me that I had forgotten. A creative, open, curious part that hasn’t had a lot of space in the demands of work and motherhood of the last decade. A part that is valuable enough to prioritize and feels good. It feels right. I am worthy of being a priority. I am worthy of having fun with no expectations.

How can you prioritize yourself this week? Is there something you can do just for you that is just for fun?