I recently saw a meme that cautioned us to not make grand pronouncements about what this new year will hold, instead we should tip toe in quietly, with every effort not to upset the Gods 🤫 …not only did I see this on a friend’s IG stories, but it was also sent to me in THREE different languages from friends around the world - THAT’S how resonant it was GLOBALLY!
While the meme is (painfully) funny - obvs, the best comedy is that which is predicated on shared reality - I am choosing a different tack…or, at least I’m going to try. 😉 That’s right, I am choosing to be excited about 2022 with all that it may hold! I think the key to this will be mindfully leaning into the BIG lesson of remaining flexible (the Taurus in me is resisting but we (she and I!) will persevere!) My family has plans in place but we will do our best to adapt as needed, knowing (all too well) that you simply can’t plan for the unknown…thanks 2020/21 😕
As I sit here, reviewing the last two years (‘cause I’m not so sure we can separate 2020 & 2021 🙄) I’m reminded that our capacity for hardship only means that there is also that capacity for joy. The more we are asked+required to face the mountain, the sweeter too is the view from the top. (maybe a worn metaphor but my Covid brain can only do so much heavy lifting, mmm’k?! 😉)
“Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?”
~ Rumi
Despite the pandemic, I was thrilled to continue providing empowering portraiture to women and safer beauty to my community at large….having record years for both, thanks to my amazing circle. 🙏🏼
While we have all grappled with the bigger life questions, inevitable when facing a pandemic, so too have we been able to zero-in on what’s important: our good health, the good health of our loved ones and communities, our joy, and the increased realization that grinding our days away for a paycheque alone is not ‘living’. With that, women were investing in themselves: celebrating their inherent beauty through portraiture, building new businesses, and switching to safer beauty. How beautiful is THAT?! 🙏🏼
This year’s work spanned business branding, compassionate portraiture for women + families facing serious illness, headshots, portrait sessions for women who’d been gifted the experience…I started my “Beauty in Diversity” initiative (click to read more about that), added to my list of author’s shots published, and had some playtime in studio with my kiddo too…I shot outside more than ever (always doing my best to keep everyone safe + comfortable - in & out of Covid times), and I had the privilege of meeting formidable + inspiring women while also reconnecting with past clients-turned-friends. There were hardships for all of us this year - no doubt - but this small sampling of my past year’s work fills me with inspiration, love, and gratitude! 🥰
While there is so much divisiveness in our weary world today, I am genuinely excited to see what incredible silver linings will emerge from these challenging times…we’ll be (🤞) stronger, more resilient, more flexible, more compassionate, and more willing - even after too many set backs - to get excited for tomorrow + beyond! 🦋
My deep gratitude to all who have trusted me this past year… gratitude to: every woman who stepped in front of my lens with all her vulnerability + courage + hope; to those who have joined me on the journey of safer beauty as clients and team members and to those who have been with me since the beginning; to the families who are facing a life changing journey after a diagnosis and entrusted me with capturing their ‘here and now’; to each kind soul who has referred me (the highest compliment); to each of you who have generously left testimonials to share your experiences with Lori Maloney Photography, which surely helps others feel at ease in their choice of photographer; and to each of YOU who continue to click, share, and comment on my work + effort…it’s so damned appreciated that I teared up typing this! THANK YOU! ❤️
While I will be on a personal hiatus from the business for most of this coming year, I wanted to share my deep gratitude to all those who have contributed to getting me to ‘here’… I can’t wait to pick up where we left off when I’m back in the studio!
May this holiday season be just what you need - time to heal, recharge, reconnect + reflect - and I hope you too can choose to feel excited for all that is yet to come!
Wishing you joy, peace, good health, and the ability to pursue what sets your heart on fire!
PS there’s lots of evidence that points to Rumi being right…sometimes the ‘other side’ of life is just what we didn’t know we needed. ✨