Sticks and Stones

Everyday is a day … that I wish this newfound lifestyle of mine were easier. I wish people just understood the transition I’m going through and were more accepting of the decisions I’m making in living my life for God. 

A dear friend of mine once told me in a time of heartache, “Don’t worry if your boyfriend is the only person you hang out with these days. You should be surrounding yourself with people who are going to build you up, always, and if he’s the only one that does that for you right now, so be it.”

Life isn’t supposed to be something you know the future of. It’s supposed to be a ride you take blindfolded, only getting to take a peek when you’re already there. God is the mastermind of all situations and the dream-weaver behind this thing we call Life. We need to understand that everything happens for a reason— even if we don’t think we like that reason in the moment.

Inevitability: People will hurt you—and, if you’re human, you’ll probably hurt them back. Life isn’t about pleasing everyone. It’s about doing what’s right for you, while still being mindful of other’s feelings.

Today is my (20th) birthday and I was hurt on an incredible level by my best friend. There are almost no words to describe the pain I’m feeling right now, but even though I’m hurting, I pray that she will one day she will realize the severity of her actions and understand that she could/should have reacted differently.

Things to Keep In Mind:

Friends are special people who should be there with you through whatever— not only through the good— or only through the bad. A friendship must be a two-sided bond.

A friend is also someone who may come in and out of your life. A friend doesn’t necessarily have to stay right with you every step of the way, but just simply knowing they’re there if you need them is comforting.

A friend is someone who understands when you’re going through a hard time and is supportive of goog decisions and helps you pick yourself up after bad ones. They should never judge or condemn you for anything.

Proceedings

Today’s agenda: Set pricing for the biz, prepare for my final PR pitch (yesss!), laundry, and clean. my. room. 

L i f e is still as chaotic as ever, but I love it. I can’t get enough of it these days. My business is flourishing more than I had ever hoped possible and the thought of the future is bright. God has brought so many wonderful people in my life that have helped me wonderfully along the way, get to where I am today. 

I think I’m finally getting a handle on this business thing. I’m in the process of typing out a business plan and still need to create a consent form for online postings, but over all I’ve had great feedback thus far and interest abound. I’ve set the schedule date to May 6th, so after that, I hope to have a full agenda. 

Here’s another snippet of work. Hope you enjoy. Visit my facebook page for more! www.facebook.com/catierixphotography. Or follow me on Twitter @catierixphotog [Official Website— Coming Soon].

19 Lessons in 19 Years.

My [20th] birthday is coming up in six days from today and I felt the need to reflect on my life thus far. I’ve compiled a list of nineteen lessons I’ve learned so far in my life and I wanted to share them:

1. The first pancake never turns out good.

2. You don’t have to make everyone like you. There will always be haters.

3. Love makes you stupid.

4. Most people operate out of selfish motivations.

5. It’s rarely about you.

6. Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

7. Time doesn’t heal anything- it’s what you do with the time that does.

8. Complaining and blaming others doesn’t help anything. It only makes you miserable company.

9. You must train people how to treat you.

10. There’s always hope.

11. You can always be grateful for something.

12. The world is bigger than my hometown.

13. Honesty is always the best route. Even if it’s not in the easiest in the short term.

14. You should never stop learning, or trying to be a better person.

15. Worrying is useless, unless it motivates you to take action.

16. When people show you who they are, believe them.

17. Open your eyes and also your mind when you see.

18. The camera was one of the best inventions ever created. 

19. Staying close with family and finding a few close friends is crucial.

20. Trust in the Lord. Lean not on your own understanding.

Learning & Moving On.

I’m learning this week that maybe I just don’t know everything. I’ve got a lot of issues, I’m not perfect, and I really do need the supportive people around me to help me stay strong.

I’ve pushed people away for so long and not let any one person get too close to me, but now, I’m learning that may not be the best idea. If I can help others then why can’t I let them help me?

Am I just too stubborn? Probably. But I’m making it my goal to break down my guard a little more in the next coming weeks; start trusting people again.

I had a long talk at Starbucks with a friend today.. and over coffee we discussed relationships. Not only male/female, but friend relationships too and it occurred to me that I’ve had a bruised heart for quite sometime now. I believe, when any relationship ends, romantic or friend, it leaves a mark on your heart. I’ve acquired many scars over the years and I think it’s finally time to wipe my slate clean for good.

I’ve said this before but I’m ready to start fresh. I’m ready to be done letting my past relationships affect my current ones. Starting to really, truly trust people again and not just assume that they will be like previous screw-ups. I’m ready to move on.

Blown Away!

Last night was the first annual Flame concert at IU, put on by Campus Crusade for Christ. I was asked to photograph the night and felt so honored to be asked to serve Him in this way. The way God moved everyone to help out either in the organization-process or just be a part of the production by coming out and enjoying the music made it such the success that it was. WOW. Just wanted to give a little shout out to my friends Nate Ebel and Jordan Bunch along with my new friends Brandon Chitty and Shaunquia Ryle; you guys did such a fantastic job and I’m sure everyone that came had a great time and hopefully some were inspired to learn more about God and his word.

The night kicked off with opening act, Nue Breed lookin’ fresh in his white tee and coming out with an awesome message, rocking the stage like no one’s business.

Flame turned up the heat with an awesome performance to wrap up a wonderful evening. It’s so refreshing to go to a concert and be exposed to non-secular music and have such a good time while listening to God’s word.

If any of my lovely followers are new to the Christian music scene, or are looking for some really great Christian artists, look these guys up! They really are an inspiration and are such a breath of fresh air. Enjoy!