I have been so unbalanced the past few months. I'm working on taking those days off, and enjoying my life more without continuously thinking of my to-do list, and I think that my work as a creative will really shine when I give myself those much needed breaks!

love this and needed this! Going on a walk with old college roommates tomorrow and now I'm feeling good about it....work can wait:)

I love everything about this image.

-M

I agree. I went through the same thing a year ago and slowing down, de-cluttering my life and rediscovering purpose has brought me to the happiest place I've ever been.

We all need to work on our Koyaanisqatsi:

ko.yaa.nis.katsi (from the Hopi language), n. 1. crazy life. 2. life in turmoil. 3. life disintegrating. 4. life out of balance. 5. a state of life that calls for another way of living.

you and i are like the same peson. it's scary. balance is hard for those of us who see possibilities in EVERYTHING. I'm sure the "being present in the moment " (have you heard Rob Bell?) and letting life not be all about work will be lifelong struggles. But the good thing about being so in tuned to what makes us truly happy, and being so reflective all of the time, means we are fully AWARE of our overworking, sometimes-misplaced priorities... and since we are strivers (to be all things whole and good and in sync) we make adjustments where and when we can - because we're only happy when we're truly.. happy.

Much love to you Sarah and Chris.

First thing I do when I get to work every morning is check your blog. Your photos inspire me, and your words do so even more. This post in particular tugged at my heart strings. It's so easy to get caught up in everyday life, whether that is work, school, or the stress that comes with it all. But living intentionally for a purpose, in this case to love and to give, is such a refreshing experience, and it's something I strive to do every day. My grandma passed away four years ago this Valentine’s Day, and the day she passed we found a journal she had been keeping. On the last page, in an undated entry it stated: “At the time of death, two questions. Did I live wisely? Did I love well?” For the last four years I’ve had this lesson tattooed on my foot, a daily reminder to “Live Wisely Love Well.” Every day I work to do just that, to make sure that my own legacy is one that I can be proud of. Thank you for such an inspiring post, and I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.

First thing I do when I get to work every morning is check your blog. Your photos inspire me, and your words do so even more. This post in particular tugged at my heart strings. It's so easy to get caught up in everyday life, whether that is work, school, or the stress that comes with it all. But living intentionally for a purpose, in this case to love and to give, is such a refreshing experience, and it's something I strive to do every day. My grandma passed away four years ago this Valentine’s Day, and the day she passed we found a journal she had been keeping. On the last page, in an undated entry it stated: “At the time of death, two questions. Did I live wisely? Did I love well?” For the last four years I’ve had this lesson tattooed on my foot, a daily reminder to “Live Wisely Love Well.” Every day I work to do just that, to make sure that my own legacy is one that I can be proud of. Thank you for such an inspiring post, and I am so sorry for the loss of your friend.

I have been following your blog for a while now, and I have to say that I felt compelled to comment on the quote from Billy Graham...

So many young people (or so it seems) are quick to dismiss anything from a religious leader. I was surprised to find this quote here--but it was much more than pleasant. Billy Graham's words are so poignant and have so much relevancy for TODAY and LIFE in general; whether you're a Christian or not. I thank you for highlighting his words and spreading inspiration so very often.

You're truly blessed.

Well said.
That was my theme from 2o1o and continues to be for 2o11. Thanks for the reminder.....XOXO

so so sorry to hear about your friend. I hope you can have peace and comfort at this time. One of my best friends died in a car accident about 5 years ago. Although he was so young he accomplished so much in his life. He was so humble and his life was always dedicated to God and to serving others. I think of him often, when I get side tracked and I am reminded why we are here on this earth.

I needed this. Thanks for the reminder :) God bless

Wow! Thank you so much for this post. It was very inpiring. :)

hi, sarah. i'm mandii, also a workaholic. i empathize:)

The story you have been writing is one of a kind and only yours. You inspire and share yourself with others in such a unique way Sarah. Sorry to hear about your friend...my thoughts are with you today. Love you friend!

so sorry to hear about your friend. thanks for taking the time here, often, to share your heart. you're already leaving your legacy. :)

Thank you for this, lovely :) I always need to hear exactly what you say. Very cute photo too :)

Thank you for this, lovely :) I always need to hear exactly what you say. Very cute photo too :)

Thank you for sharing Sarah. Your words resonate with me (especially at the moment). I am going to shut down my emails and go visit my parents. So sorry to hear the news of your friend. Thoughts are floating across the ocean xx

So sorry to hear about your friend, Sarah...what an awful thing to have happened. Big hugs go out to you, my friend. And as for your sentiments: well, I couldn't agree more with each and every point. I think it's such a timely reminder to live a purposeful life. Filled with time for yourself, your family, your friends, and those you love. I'm going to remember this and hopes it serves as "that" moment that shifted the unbalanced to the balanced for me. So thank you. :)

I said "no" to a committment the other day for the first time. My friend was shocked (as was I) but understood and appreciated my realistic assessment of my available time. A close friend and I often remind each other to slow down and that "being selfish" isn't always bad when it means taking time for ourselves. Good luck and enjoy Sarah time!

I am so sorry for your loss, i lost a very dear friend over 20 years ago while in college. i sometimes catch myself doing small things that i wouldn't normally do because i know he would have .... our legacy lives in those we loved and left behind.

we ALL need balance and it's so unfortunate that sometimes things need to happen for our eyes to be opened to what's important. your post is such a great reminder to love and serve others. thank you so much for sharing with us!

Ohh this Pops-
I'm sending my love-
T..xoxo

Hugs. Welcome to the path of enlightenment, Sarah.
Sad that it often takes a tragedy to make one realize its important to smell the roses.

Great words, Sarah! I think I'm a workaholic too.

So sorry to hear about your friend. I love that you took the time to be introspective and share your thoughts with us....you are right on. Here's to recognizing, taking steps, and continual growth in all of us!

Balance is so necessary for a great life. When I was in college, friends always commented on how balanced I seemed to be and for the most part, what they saw was true. Since then, now in the working world and not quite my ideal job, I often lack the balance I once prided myself on. Over the past several months, I've come closer to finding balance again by diving into creative projects that challenge and exhilarate me. It's so important to make time for family and friends and not just come home from work and fall asleep after dinner like I often do (and regret). Finding ways to do things that excite me and make me feel really at "home" and at peace with myself and the people around me is so crucial...not just to being happy, but feeling fulfilled and yes, as you mention... leave behind a legacy I hope to share with my children and grandchildren someday.

Thank you for your insightful words and honest reflection. It's been a beautiful reminder to keep striving for balance and peace and legacy I can be content leaving when I'm gone someday.

love your post.
love your heart.
LOVE your leggings.

i am so sorry to hear of your friends passing.
i completely agree with this post & love that i can start my week with these encouraging reminders. God has called us to serve & there is nothing in the world more thrilling than to give. We who have found favor, are called to go & that alone should burn a fire under me to drop my work once in awhile & go fulfill my life's purpose.
thank you again for the encouragement! xx

thanks for the post sarah. i needed to hear that today :)

thanks for the inspiration sarah

Lovely.

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. What you wrote about finding balance and making your life so much more than about what you do for work really struck me this morning as I have been struggling with that for the last year and feel like I am just coming into a new balance. Always worth the struggle...hugs to you.

Your images are beautiful, + so is your spirit.
I admire your work and dedication to your art, and share the same addiction :) This post was a nice little wake up call.
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, and will keep you and the family in my prayers!

i'm in a very similar place in life --- learning how to cut back on my own work and be more effective within a time i allot toward it, allowing me to be more effective in the time away from it as well. I want to LOVE well... :) thanks for sharing -- helps me not feel as crazy!

I am so sorry to hear about your friend. Our blessings are with her family and friends. Thank you for sharing this post this morning. It is always good to reflect on things like this. My heart beats a bit faster and my eyes widen a bit more everytime I see you post a new blog! You are great at what you do!

Love the light. It just pours in. And those shoes are great.

"To be truly present with people." That is so important when talking about leaving a legacy of love! And yes, it is all about balance. Learning to balance every day for it's not something that we can just become masters at; it is something that needs to be worked on constantly.

I am sorry about your friend. Only God knows why things happen the way they do, when they do. But we can rest assured in His peace when we put our full trust in Him.

Keep inspiring, Sarah!

Really lovely post. Provoking thoughts too. (And I definitely almost wore a red dress with yellow leggings today.)