Staying Focused as Summer Ends

The hustle of fall is upon us. 

Schools are starting back, projects are in full swing, and even though vacation is over, sometimes it's hard to get our brains back into gear. Here are a few of my favorite ways to have focused mind when I'd rather be on the beach sipping a mai tai. 

Staying Focused as Summer Ends

1. Create a Clean Workspace 

If you can manage it, make that space dedicated to your work only. Clear out all the excess and distractions. Set yourself up for success by knowing that little corner is only for focus and peace. 

2. Breathe

Once you're in your new space, take a beat. Close your eyes and breathe in the day (stress, peace, busy, easy, whatever). Accept the moment for what it is and be present. Then give yourself a pat on the back for taking care of what needs to get done and not scanning your blackhole of a phone. 

3. Pray

This helps me every time I get started on work. When my soul feels grasping, striving, or unfocused, this simple and humble action never fails. Say a little prayer before you begin, something like, 'Jesus help me as I start this workday/project/study time. It's all for you.'  For me, that simple heart-check prevents feeling callused or egotistic as I carve out time to get things done.  I love meditating on this verse as I get started: 

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord,

    whose confidence is in him.

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They will be like a tree planted by the water

    that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes;

    its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

    and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

4. Make Goals

Whether you're a to-do list person or not, writing down some achievable goals for the day or week will help you stay focused on the task in the moment. It's feels a little silly, but somedays I actually schedule in 'go get coffee.' Making time for myself is a priority I don't want to lose sight of in the midst of the hustle. Checking that off among other more serious to-dos makes me feel more level headed. I'm not just a worker drone, I'm stewarding each part of my life. 

Everyday is different and having grace for yourself is the best tip I could give. It's the hardest thing for me to learn, but the less I take myself seriously, the more fun everything becomes. 

xo, 

Sabrina

Endless Summer

Times they are a changing. Summer is winding down and so is the sense of carefree, no-plans, spontaneity. Routines are coming back into swing and our days become more focused. And though you might miss the freedom in warmer days, there are still ways to keep that summer feeling as you drift into fall. 

The other evening I put down my phone, grabbed my camera, and went for a walk. 

It was just before dinner and I wandered around the neighborhood. This is how I spent much of my time as a kid and teen. My camera would fill up with photos of flowers or fading light or a fuzzy caterpillar I found. More than I loved the end result, I loved the posture of my heart then: being still enough to notice the beauty that so many may have easily walked past.

As each season changes, I find myself reflecting. 

Autumn comes with a new push for photography for me. Busier days and scheduling out my time to stay focused and efficient. I'm planning so many shoots and so much excitement is building in my heart.

Still, I hope I can always find the time to set aside my 'to-do's every now and then for the peace that comes with going for a walk. That's the magic in summer: freedom to play. So, I give you permission. Go play. In all your busyness, always find time to be silly, thankful, and to let go. 

xo, 

Sabrina

Juniper and the Pumpkin

Fall came for a week and left. And now it's 104º and I'm dreaming of the tease of last week's cooler weather. Juniper got her first little pumpkin this year. And because I'm head-over-heels for her, here's a few favorites from our little wild one.