The Adri Photo Co.

Category: self portraits

  • Forest Park Family Photography | Documenting My Own

    Forest Park Family Photography | Documenting My Own

    MOVEMENT Detailed portrait of a girl by Forest Park family photographer
    Detailed portrait of a girl by Forest Park family photographer

    Sometimes, a simple background is all you need. As a Forest Park family photography taker, I often look for interesting textures in our neighborhood. For this quick session, I chose the brick wall of a local pub. Initially, I loved the way the red brick contrasted with their outfits. However, the true value of these images is the connection they capture.

    Working with the “Teenager Timer” If you have teenagers, you know they often have a “timer” for photos. My 14 and 12-year-olds are no different. Consequently, I have learned to work fast and effectively. I don’t aim for perfect poses. Instead, I work to get genuine smiles and real laughter. Because I know their rhythms, I can capture their essence before their patience runs out. Specifically, I want images that feel like them.

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    A woman sits on a stoop with a girl hugging her from the side, both smiling joyfully. A boy sits next to them, grinning at the camera, with a red door and brick wall in the background.

    A United Front: Legacy as a Forest Park Family Photographer 

    These images are also special because of who was behind the scenes. My ex-husband helped act as a tripod while I directed the shots. Moreover, I was able to update photos of him with the kids. It is very important for our children to see us united. Ultimately, motherhood and family don’t always look one specific way. We prioritize showing up for them together.

    A smiling girl in a red sweater is being hugged by an adult, with a brick wall in the background.
    A black and white photo of a smiling woman and a young girl standing side by side against a brick wall, sharing a joyful moment together.
    A girl with long hair swirls playfully in front of a brick wall, captured in black and white.
    A young male standing in profile, wearing a checkered shirt, against a brick wall with windows in the background.
    Three children sitting together and smiling against a brick wall. One girl in a red sweater and a black skirt, a boy in a blue checkered shirt, and another girl with long hair leaning close, all appearing cheerful.
    Candid black and white sibling moment in Forest Park IL
    Forest Park family photographer documenting her children and ex-husband united

    Fast and Effective Storytelling You do not need an elaborate location for a soulful gallery. For example, a local street or a simple brick wall can work perfectly. This allows the focus to stay on the people in the frame. As a result, the images feel timeless and honest.

    • The Collective: Perfect for families who want a full, unhurried documentary experience.
    • The Motherhood Journey: A curated bundle ($1,499) for those starting their family story.

    In conclusion, being a Forest Park family photography lover means finding beauty in the real and the raw. Therefore, I will always choose a genuine smile over a perfect pose.

  • Chicago Self Portrait Photographer | The Art of Being Seen

    Chicago Self Portrait Photographer | The Art of Being Seen

    Oh failures, how bittersweet they are. You never truly set out to fail on purpose. However, we sometimes self-sabotage until it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I truly believe that.

    Earlier this year, I struggled to find the drive to move forward with this project. Life has been a steady flow of ups and downs lately. Consequently, I was naive to assume the hardest parts of my life were behind me. Leaving a decade-long marriage was incredibly difficult. Furthermore, the years that follow are just as challenging. Trying to find yourself again is a constant, daily battle.

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    Using Self-Portraits as a Flashlight

    On certain days, I am still not sure of my direction. It is often hard to remember my true identity. Therefore, I use self-portraits as a flashlight. These images offer a way to pause and see myself clearly. Additionally, they help me decide what I want to document. Photography provides a little light into my soul during dark moments.

    I could not complete this specific set of images in February. Nevertheless, I know I can always try again. Failure is always an option in this space. In fact, it is an essential part of the creative process.

    A black and white image of a woman sitting by a wall, her profile partially visible through a sheer curtain. A vase with flowers is in the foreground, adding a soft, artistic touch to the scene.
    • self portrait photographer in Chicago
    self portrait photographer in chicago Chicago self-portrait photographer artistic session

    In conclusion, I hope I never stop trying. These images show that when I show up for myself, great things happen. They are tiny keepsakes of a season of grieving and growing

  • Self-Portrait Artist Chicago | Inspiration & Creative Process

    Self-Portrait Artist Chicago | Inspiration & Creative Process

    A Little Self-Portrait Inspiration

    Finding my voice as a self-portrait artist in Chicago often means coming face-to-face with the parts of myself I’d rather hide. To be honest, lately, I feel like a broken record. I’ve exhausted myself with the self-help and the self-expansion; I didn’t know such a thing existed, but I guess there can always be too much of anything, even if it’s good. Maybe the best thing is simply acceptance.

    I’m sorry if I treat this little space a bit like a journal, but it’s just the type of person I am. It’s been two years since my divorce. I was married at 21 and divorced by 31. I didn’t plan any of it. However, in that unplanned space, I’ve had to look at who I really am. I am selfish and I hurt others. I am human and I can be kind and loving—in fact, I know I do a great job loving my children.

    A woman in a black long-sleeve top and denim overalls standing against a textured white wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago

    My Journey as a Self-Portrait Artist in Chicago

    I have learned so much these last two years, and I’m glad that my curiosity will always keep me wanting to learn. I made a lot of mistakes too, some so painful that it would make the bravest soul hide in a cave for a lifetime, but I survived and will keep on surviving. Consequently, the things I’ve learned I won’t repeat. Or maybe I will repeat them and just keep learning.

    I love being reminded of my humanity; it’s a reason why I love this job. I work with beautiful people and all kinds of family dynamics. Specifically, I get to capture the rawness of new life and the start of joint decisions and love. Humanity. At least the little moments that make up our daily lives.

    A woman with long dark hair and a nose ring, standing against a light-colored wall. She has her eyes closed, with some hair falling across her face. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A young woman with long, dark hair wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls, standing in front of a plain light-colored wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman with long hair is looking away, wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls, set against a light-colored wall. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman with long hair wearing a black turtleneck and denim overalls stands against a light-colored wall, gazing to the side. Self-portrait artist Chicago

    Ultimately, I hope that at least once this year you get to admire photographs that celebrate your humanity. Images that truly reflect you. I hope that you are kind to yourself, and I hope that you choose forgiveness and growth. I hope you choose love and yourself, always.

    A woman stands in a garden surrounded by flowers and greenery, wearing a black dress and a long-sleeved top, smiling as she holds a phone to her ear. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman in a denim overall dress stands outdoors, smiling and posing playfully with one hand in her hair, surrounded by greenery and plants. Self-portrait artist Chicago
    A woman standing among greenery and flowers, looking thoughtfully into the distance.
    A blurred image of a person sitting on an orange bench surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery.
    A young woman sitting amidst purple flowers and greenery, partially covering her face with her hand, with a colorful wooden bench in the background.
    A woman sitting on a wooden bench surrounded by blooming purple flowers, wearing a black top and denim overalls.
    A young woman lying on a wooden surface surrounded by purple flowers, gazing thoughtfully with her hand resting on her face.
  • Self Portrait Artist Chicago | February Project

    Self Portrait Artist Chicago | February Project

    A Journey as a Self Portrait Artist in Chicago

    Holy wow! I did it—I finished the project. Indeed, as a self portrait artist in Chicago, nothing feels quite like doing exactly what you said you would do. Sticking with a daily creative habit that requires me to carry a tripod everywhere was incredibly challenging. Specifically, I hit a huge wave of indecision around Day 3. However, after I overcame that initial hump, I stopped overthinking and just relaxed into the process of capturing who I am.

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    A woman in a brown coat walking along a sandy beach with trees in the background and sunlight shining through. Self Portrait Artist Chicago

    Exploring Identity and Motherhood

    During this month, I explored the roles I play in this lifetime—the complex intersection of womanhood and motherhood. For example, I thought a lot about the feeling of belonging both to myself and my children simultaneously. Furthermore, this project served as a constant reminder of the impermanence of these tiny, fleeting moments. To stay inspired, I used to have a Facebook community, women have always helped pushed my creativity. which helped me push past my artistic blocks.

    Children celebrating a birthday party in a decorated room, playing with colorful balloons and a large '8' balloon. Self Portrait Artist Chicago

    Ultimately, it is bittersweet to have finished this month. Nevertheless, it absolutely pleased my brain to have something challenging to look forward to on a daily basis. I had so much love and support after sharing Part One of this journey. In fact, you can take a peek at that previous post right 

    A young woman with closed eyes wearing a black mask adorned with small white flowers, standing in a softly lit room with a vintage music-themed background.

    Why Creative Projects Matter

    All of these images fill me with an immense sense of pride and happiness. Because all of these photos were taken by me, they hold a deeper level of meaning. I am learning that I can be both an amazing mother and a self portrait artist in Chicago who is still finding herself. Consequently, I’ve realized that life is meant to be lived and experienced through an artistic lens. I hope you are taking the time to experience your own creative journey too!

    A woman with long dark hair, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a brown coat, smiles with her eyes closed while standing outdoors against a brick wall.
    A woman lying on her side on a bed, partially covered with blankets, with her back to the camera.
    A young woman sitting on the floor in a cozy room, writing in a notebook with plants and a wooden table nearby.
    A woman holding a child in a cozy indoor setting, both appearing affectionate. The woman wears a denim jacket and the child is dressed in an embroidered dress, highlighting a warm moment between them. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    Close-up of a person's face partially obscured by their hand, with one eye visible, set against a soft background. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A close-up image of a person lying on a bed with a floral arrangement in their hands, capturing a contemplative and intimate moment. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A smiling woman stands beside a swing set in a playground, with motion blur indicating children swinging in the background. A house is visible in the background. Self Portrait Artist Chicago
    A woman wearing a maroon sweater is joyfully posing with her arms raised against a clear blue sky.
    A woman with long hair is reclining in the backseat of a car at night, looking towards the camera.
    A young woman with dark hair stands near a door, looking back over her shoulder. She wears a strappy black top and denim shorts, with soft sunlight illuminating her features and creating a warm ambiance.
  • Untitled post 11111

    S

    Winter is the calm after the busy Fall season. It goes by rather quickly. I’m so grateful for that calmness but I like being in the thick of my client work the most. This year however I decided to embrace some personal work a little more for these restless days. The challenge was quite simple ; capture yourself, one image a day for the month of February. I’ve never done anything like this. To be honest I do care about how I’m perceived, I think anyone who says otherwise is just lying to themselves. & honestly this is just screaming I love myself a little too much, for a moment It took on a negative feeling. But when that settled I thought of all of those days when I didn’t love myself, and how l behaved in the moments I lacked self love.

    For the first time in my life I truly + completely love every . single. part. of my being. I am intentionally working on not using words like good or bad to describe myself, but what I will say is that anything that I was lacking before is so full to the brim now. Self Portraiture has always been a gift to the artist. These are a gift to me and my children, I know one day not terribly close but in the near future I’ll look different. I’ll feel different. My hope is that my new found compassion for myself only grows.

    Today in the middle of my 32nd birth year I am heartbroken, growing, expanding, learning and practicing what I preach. I am a multitude of feelings, I am things I can’t describe yet. Words I can’t find. These images have truly shown me that when I decide to show up for myself great things can happen. While these images may seem ordinary to most there are big connections to parts of me I have or I am in the process of grieving.

    I hope you try showing up for yourself

    I won’t lie. This has been so hard. I selected the coldest month to do this project, because clearly I don’t think things through enough lol. I just jump right in. That’s me. So I’m desperately thinking of new ways to use my tiny space. Not to mention new ways to see myself. I’m deeply proud of how I’ve stuck with it and I’m now more than half way through this project. It’s so so cool. I have always been the type to lean into the discomfort. & this, the capturing myself daily has been uncomfortable as hell.

    I try to close my eyes pop on some Carla Morrison and let inspiration take me where it wants to. I have also let my mind wander, my smiles are genuine, thoughts of my children and other people I love run across my mind and I can’t help but smile and send them light and love always. If you are seeking inspiration in anything I hope you always remember you are always the source of greatness. Start with you today.

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    self portrait of woman topless facing away smiling on a couch
    black and white photo of woamn playing with her hair
    cloudy self portrait of woman and flowers
    self portrait of woman on desk
    self portrait of woman in shower in black and white with hand on the glass
    a self portrait of a of and her son
    self portrait of a naked woman outlined by a plant
    a self portrait reflection of a woman reading
    close up monochrome of self portrait of woman with closed eyes
    self portrait of woman jumping
    monochrome self portrait of legs
    a little movement self portrait
    self portrait of woman in man's white shirt
    self portrait of mom and daughter on the floor reading
    self portrait of woman touching hair
  • Family Self Portraits Chicago | Weathering the Storm 

    Family Self Portraits Chicago | Weathering the Storm 

    Family Self Portraits Chicago: Weathering the Storm

    Family self portraits Chicago sessions have always been a way for me to document our truth, and these days, life for us is mostly calm. We have finally arrived at the other side of one of the hardest years of our collective lives. I know that everyone is going through something, as the world is experiencing a massive shift. However, inside our little family, that shift felt like a big wave of so many things.

    A mother and her son sharing a quiet moment during family self portraits Chicago.
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    At the start of 2021, I didn’t know where I would be emotionally. I moved out of the home I shared with my ex and into a tiny apartment. While physically so many things have changed, emotionally it feels like I am still the same—in grief, but slightly stronger. I am a far better person now. Specifically, I am trying my hardest to be who I always believed myself to be. My life is centered around love for my children and myself, full of authenticity, and expanding in my “No’s.”

    boy's lashes black and white portrait
    A young girl standing among tall trees looking toward the camera in natural light.
    Family self portraits Chicago showing a mother giving her son a piggyback ride.

    Finding Gratitude in the Grief

    The thing that has grown the most since the start of this year has been my gratitude. In fact, that has remained a constant throughout our family self portraits Chicago journey. Being grateful for everything I’ve experienced has made my grief become more beautiful. I know now that I can handle whatever life has in store for me. Consequently, I have learned to let go of things out of my control. The storm that has been this year of our lives has served us well.

    My kids are some of the best humans I know. To have been able to be here for them in their own grieving journey has been incredibly healing. They know we’re all still a work in progress and flawed. Nevertheless, they know that no matter how rough life gets, we have each other. Always.

    A black and white image of family self portraits Chicago representing healing.

    Building a Future Together

    I have built that trust with them by showing up day in and day out. Furthermore, I can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for us. I am full of gratitude for my coparent as well. M is an incredible human, and I know he always has my back. Actually, I know I can count on him 200%. I love that we can still do these family self portraits Chicago for the kids.

    As I step into 2022, I am nervous but excited. I am open to learning and making more mistakes if they lead to the growth I need. Ultimately, I have goals and dreams to start. If you’re in the middle of your own storm, my friend, I urge you to listen to yourself. Move forward one step at a time. Do the uncomfortable things that give you peace and leave you full, even though they are painful. May it be an amazing year for you! I will never tire of being a chicago family photographer and capture my loves.

    Adri de la Cruz and her children for their family self portraits Chicago
    Candid shot of a mother laughing while her children play around her in a park.
    Family self portraits Chicago featuring a mother and daughter in a forest.
    A woman holds a young girl in a natural setting, surrounded by trees. They are smiling and sharing a joyful moment outdoors.
    Documentary-style family photography by Chicago artist Adri de la Cruz.
    A father carrying his young daughter in the woods, while a smiling young boy rides on his back, surrounded by greenery.
    a portrait of a divorced family, son, daughter and parents sitting on tall grass
    A black and white photo of a father with two children playing in a natural setting, surrounded by trees and grass.
    A smiling girl in a flowing dress twirls joyfully in a forest setting, surrounded by greenery and sunlight filtering through the trees.
    A boy playfully kisses a girl on the cheek while she laughs in a lush outdoor setting. They are dressed in casual, stylish clothes, and the background features soft greenery.
    Family self portraits Chicago featuring children playing among the trees.
    A close-up black and white portrait of a smiling girl with curly hair, wearing a white top with lace detailing, sitting next to a man with a beard, partially visible, both enjoying a moment together.
    Family self portraits Chicago captured during the golden hour in autumn.
    A woman sitting on the ground in a grassy field, holding a young girl, while a boy stands beside them laughing. The scene is illuminated by soft sunlight against a backdrop of tall grasses and a clear sky.
    A black and white image of a family sitting together in a grassy field, with a father and mother embracing their laughing child.
    Family self portraits Chicago in a serene, wooded forest setting.
    Two children running through a grassy field on a bright day, with one child smiling joyfully while the other follows closely behind.
    A girl and a boy hugging each other playfully in a grassy field on a sunny day.
  • Self portrait inspiration Chicago | Conversations with the sun

    Self portrait inspiration Chicago | Conversations with the sun

    This is the recipe of life

    said my mother

    as she held me in her arms as I wept

    think of those flowers you plant

    in the garden each year

    they will teach you

    that people too

    must wilt

    fall

    root

    rise

    in order to bloom

    r u p i k a u r

    Today I have some self portrait inspiration chicago, I bought myself some sunflowers recently. It’s one of my favorite flowers mainly because of the big connection to the sun and how they are so in love with the sun. Yes I know all flowers technically need the sun, ha. But it seems to me like sunflowers are this special letter from the sun to us. They bathe in it, live for the sun. Then in a short amount of time die. They are flowers that make a statement. Even if you buy a bunch of them, every single sunflower has their own personality it seems. They remind me of Mexican Art. They remind me of resilience. I think of fire and power when I see that flower. All other flowers, especially in my favorite group are dainy, soft and beautiful but this flower is different. Yes, you can’t deny its beauty, but the thing I love most of all is their grandeur. It’s a helluva flower.

    Self Portrait inspiration in Chicago

    I started this self portrait series with the intent to focus on my hair. & how i’ve outgrown the hate for it finally at 31. Perhaps hate is a strong word but I felt it in waves towards my hair. I guess somehow the wilted sunflowers on my coffee table became the star of this series. And I don’t mind that at all. My hair can have it’s shinning moment another time.

    I’m currently relearning and unlearning things I couldn’t even imagine I’d be in the middle of at 31. I stupidly had this notion when I was younger exhausted by life that by 30, I would be Ok. And it’s not that I’m not Ok, but it seems that the thing that I greatly tried to avoid. The very thing I didn’t want. I became. & now I am so grateful for that. For the way it made me come to acceptance. Im in the middle of healing, but more importantly in the middle of living.

    You see when you aren’t your most authentic self, you keep pushing forward regardless of the pain to the next milestone. You think to yourself, perhaps when I have kids I’ll feel better. Perhaps when I get married it will be Ok. Or when I am wiser and older, I will finally get relief. But relief never comes because it doesn’t really exist. The tension we hold. That’s just how it feels when you’re constantly running. God knows I’m an expert at running, I could run forever if they’d let me. Pushing everything far far away from the front of my mind. I finally had this little rip in my heart, it brought me to my knees and it caused me to make all of the life changes I am currently living. My heart caught up with my mind I guess. So I am buying myself sunflowers because I am learning the difference between being alone and loneliness.

    self portrait inspiration chicago

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  • Road trips with kids: My 31-hour California Adventure

    Road trips with kids: My 31-hour California Adventure

    31 Hours: Our Impulsive Road Trip to California

    Last week, completely unplanned and stupidly so, I drove to California. If you don’t know, that is 31 damn hours from my home in Illinois. Road trips with kids can be daunting; however, this impulsive journey was exactly what my soul needed. Was it a bit wild? Probably. Consequently, I have no regrets about the decision.

    THE PACIFIC OCEAN AND MY DAUUGHTER MONTERREY
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    Planning Impulsive Road Trips With Kids

    On Wednesday my mom mentioned the idea, and by Thursday night, we were already out on the road. I drove through the night fueled by crappy gas station coffee and good music. While everyone else slept, it was just me and my thoughts. Lately, I haven’t allowed myself to just sit and be with myself. Additionally, 31 hours is a significant amount of thinking time. Usually, road trips with kids involve constant snacks and distractions, but the quiet of the night highway felt like a necessary reset.

    I wish I had taken more photographs during the drive. Unfortunately, I always regret not taking enough. I did manage to get in the frame with my kids, which is getting harder to do as they grow. My brother helped capture some of our time at the beach once we arrived. Furthermore, even though I wish I had more to show, I tried my best to be present.

    MY DAUGHTER BEING EXTRA Road trips with kids
    WINDY PORTRAIT Road trips with kids
    MONTERREY BEACH Road trips with kids
    ME AND MY KIDS NEAR THE SHORE Road trips with kids
    HUGGING MY BABY Road trips with kids
    RUNNING ON A SHORE Road trips with kids

    FFinding Peace in the Chaos

    We had so many deep conversations during the drive. As a result, we also had plenty of bickering fights. It was chaos and peace all at once. I truly can’t believe how much beauty is out there across this country. The route is incredible and it’s easy to get mesmerized by the open road.

    If you are planning your own road trips with kids, my advice is to just go. Don’t wait for the perfect plan. The time alone, the music, and the shifting landscapes reminded me that wherever you are in life, you will be okay. Therefore, if you can’t cope with life right now, just go take a damn cross-country trip like I did.

  • Jackson Park self portraits | Chicago Motherhood Photography

    Jackson Park self portraits | Chicago Motherhood Photography

    Well hello there. I dragged my kids out for some Jackson Park self portraits and a new adventure. You want to know something? It felt amazing. I’ve missed getting behind the lens, I used to do it so damn much before. It always felt like it pushed my growth. I think I’m currently stifling my creativity. So tragic right? I’m not sure why I’m holding my self back. When I know I can do anything and everything.

    mom and daughter in front of water Jackson Park self portraits
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    Creating Memories through Jackson Park Self Portraits

    I always get super thrilled when I picture my kids in the future. I imagine them showing these to their partners and going on and on about our adventures. This would surely make me the best mom ever lol. However, little do they know how much of this is actually for me. It is healing. In addition, connecting to nature is my jam. I want to point out all of the beauty to them, and also the grandness of them within this beauty. Check out the Jackson Park website to see when the best time to go visit. I recommend at the end of spring, beautiful blooms emerge.

    mom and daughter embrace near a lake in jackson park in chicago il

    It is spring time and I’m sure I’ll never stop being in awe of how things just come back year after year. No matter what happens, trees and flowers bloom. You blink and there are little sprouts everywhere. They are not announcing their arrival; they are just being. Consequently, I am working incessantly to stay present. Everyday is a new way to show up.

    A collage of three images featuring a woman and a young boy in various poses. The left image shows the woman hugging the boy by a body of water, the center image depicts them sitting together in a grassy area with the boy smiling, and the right image captures them closely engaged in conversation.
    kids near lake Jackson Park self portraits
    mom and son Jackson Park self portraits
    kids playing near ducks Jackson Park self portraits
    Two young people sitting by a riverbank, embracing each other while surrounded by trees and grass.
    A black and white photo of a woman walking near a pond, carrying a child in her arms, smiling.
    Three images of children playing by a pond, showcasing different moods and expressions. The first and last images are in black and white, while the middle image is in color, depicting the children sharing an activity.
    A woman and a girl sitting on grass, with the woman brushing the girl's hair. The scene is surrounded by wildflowers, depicted in both color and black and white.
    A mother and daughter embrace while lying on a grassy field adorned with purple flowers, both smiling and enjoying a moment together.

    Finding Growth in the Spring Season

    But I’m super fucking impatient. I desperately want something to tell me “Adri you are healed,” but I guess there will never come a sign. Just like the little sprouts, I just have to be. Day in and day out, I continue to attempt at this life until I’m no longer trying to heal all of my wounds. Maybe I’m being silly and that’s the point I’m missing. You are just never finished.

    I guess time will tell, as time always does. As I look back as a chicago family photographer motherhood was a huge catalyst toward healing, or at least the beginning of feeling. I know I need to stay present and stay in the beauty of spring. Let it teach me. Ultimately, I will take in all of the beauty and just await the new season of life.

  • Wood Dale Family Photographer | Quantifiable Beauty

    Wood Dale Family Photographer | Quantifiable Beauty

    I heard something recently. It said ” dreaming is a form of planning”. It resonated wildly with my soul. Everything I’ve ever wanted started as a dream. Me with my wild expectations. Most of the time when I would voice my dreams to others it would sound like I lost my damn mind. It always made me feel slightly crazy. But the thing that I have learned is that people lack imagination. Most are living and acting from a place of fear. Without intention. I have always felt this nagging voice for more. Not more in a form of quantifiable things, but more beauty, more aliveness more feelings. It’s probably why I felt pulled towards this medium. I want to record and preserve as many feelings as I can. I guess I’m a junky for that.

    I took these self portraits right before heading out and capturing my loves. But I felt the need to make a separate post because I want to encourage others to dream. I never grew up being asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, so perhaps thats how I’ve allowed myself to be whatever the (insert bad word) I want. I am a bunch of things. I’ve dreamt about most. Being a mother was a big one. I dreamt of building up little babies to be the best versions of themselves. I dreamt of a marriage, and even though it wasn’t what I expected I am also not too proud to say perhaps that dream can look different now. What ever you want your life to be in the future, you first have to dream it. You have to stop fitting into the mold of what people expect of you. I hope my children read my words someday and look over what they’ve achieved and know full well that they made that happen. Not for others but for themselves. I’ve had some wild dreams lately. Most of them are absolutely within reach currently they just take some work. Others are timely, others I will have to give up. But I’m excited for it all.

    “The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them.”

    ― Roy T. Bennett

    I’ve been thinking of starting a personal blog to write more about those dreams, I’m still debating. We’ll see what happens and the direction I go in .

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