Do you have a word or focus for this year? I've seen lots of bloggers and business owners sharing posts over the last week or two, about the word they've chosen as their inspiration for 2016.
At this time of year the focus is often on self-improvement - getting more organised, getting fit, achieving a better balance of work and home life. So I nearly went for a word like 'balance' or 'focus' for my year, hoping it would help me clear my head and perhaps feel on top of things a bit more!
But then I thought about it some more.
I thought about the kind of life I want to live, and the kind of life I want for my family. And, yes, life would be lovely if we were more organised and if I were more focused on the activity at hand. But what would truly make life better, is more joy!
Sometimes I think we can feel that it's superficial, or selfish maybe, to seek joy. To make joy a huge priority in our lives. As if there are far more pressing issues to be considered. And yes, there are many things going on in the world that are horrifying and heartbreaking.
But standing up in the face of that, and choosing joy? Choosing not to be defeated by the world. Choosing to be furiously happy instead?
Surely that's a good way to live your life.
I had a look back at some of the portrait sessions that I had the absolute pleasure of shooting here in Swansea last year, and was so happy to find that the number one emotion I got from them was joy.
I saw happy, laughing faces shining from my screen.
I saw love, and I saw joy.
When you're in a place you love, with people you love, you can't help but be happy!
Not ready to book a session yet? How about letting a little joy into your inbox for the time being via my newsletter!