In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.

Eleanor Roosevelt

You are Responsible for Your Life

Three young women worked the Scottsdale Wedding Walk over the weekend and while they were glammed-up we locked this season in time in some pictures. They are shaping their lives and choosing how they want to shine in life.

While discussing their season I also want to encourage you with some wisdom from Eleanor Roosevelt that touches my heart on topics of freedom, planning, and serving. Be inspired and enjoy witnessing these women who are living life to the fullest.

You Choose Your Freedom

Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility. For the person who is unwilling to grow up, the person who does not want to carry is own weight, this is a frightening prospect.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Do you want freedom? Do you want freedom to choose what you want to do in life? Do you want space and ability to experience other cultures? I was discussing life overseas in Africa and was validated on some emotions I experienced living in China a year. Life was a slower pace of life, strangers were friendlier and holidays were longer- a month long. We choose our path. We carry the responsibility of the kind of freedom we obtain. What does freedom look like for you? Being your own employer? Living Abroad? Pursuing passions that make money?

Lindsay is currently a substitute teacher in the valley. When I listen to her speak about teaching I know without a doubt that God has given her the skills and talent for this profession. Besides being in front of students, her personality shines and awakens in front of the lens.

Take the Time to Plan Your Dreams

It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.

Eleanor Roosevelt

Dream lots and then plan lots. Be SMART when setting your goals.

S: Specific
M: Measurable
A: Attainable
R: Relevant
T: Time-Bound

This SMART strategy was applied to me accomplishing the 10,000 Smiles Project.
S: I will capture 10,000 pictures of people smiling and not edit their photos.
M: I need to get about 830 pictures a month. I will need to post at least twice a week on my blog with 100 pictures.
A: I can take that many photos as long as I take my camera almost every where I go and spend a few hours a week going out and asking strangers for their smiles.
R: I want to become a master of photography and thus 10,000 Smiles will get me that much closer to 10,000 hours to becoming a master.
T: I will capture these smiles in one year, January 1, 2013 to January 1, 2014.

What SMART goals do you have?

Vicki is a fitness instructor and loves working out. It takes discipline and focus to stay in healthy shape. She is quite the adventurous young woman. During the session she climbed into a tree with no problem and with much glee (picture is above in the beginning of the post).

Pump Air to Your Lungs by Serving Others

When you cease to make a contribution, you begin to die.

Eleanor Roosevelt

How do you positively contribute to this world? If you think back to LOST or The Walking Dead every person had a role. What’s yours? I feel my contribution is loving my husband by serving where there is needed help. I love my roommates by getting the chores that I am assigned. I hope and aspire that this blog 10,000 Smiles is putting some light in your day. I am working hard at educating myself on photography in hopes to capture beautiful photos of you, to capture your story and to show your love for life.

Miwa is from Japan; she is a model and model’s coach in the United States.

When I see Miwa “just-be” I see FREEDOM. Miwa is light-hearted and seems carefree in how she sees life. I asked Miwa if I could see her dance and she busted out a fluid motion of rhythm. When I see someone that can keep a beat I am in admiration.

Smiles come quite easily to her. I was in awe and found much joy watching her appreciate an acorn that she found under a bare desert winter’s tree.

Make choices that lead you down the road to what you want in life. You can’t attain freedom without work, so stop sitting and excusing and work for the freedom you desire. Be SMART with these goals you want and write out specific ways on how they will be accomplished and measured. Above all, love thy neighbor and contribute to the people around you with a smile and a serving heart where help is needed.

Was this post helpful for you? What Eleanor Roosevelt quote stands out to you and why? What step will you take to improving your life and/or the lives around you?

Thanks to the following businesses for adding flavor to this memory making session:
Photography: 10,000 Smiles
Hair Stylist: Hair by Jenny Strebe/ Salon Stylush
Make-up: Stephanie Nault Makeup/ Stila Cosmetics