We just got back from a couple of weeks in the UK, and what a lovely time we had!
People always complain about travel with kids, but what I realized is that the chaotic nature of it, actually provided me with a great opportunity to slow down and practice how to not take things/ life/ myself so seriously! I think in general parents get overwhelmed during travel because they worry about things/ themselves not being perfect. Of course, there is something to be said about having to change more messy diapers on the go, dealing with a jet-legged kid’s schedule, eating at family friendly restaurants versus fancy gastropubs, hoping in and out of public transportation with stroller & baby gear (especially at rush hour), having to cut a program short because it is nap time, a crying baby in a confined location such as the airplane, caring for a sick kid away from the comforts of our home, etc etc… This is all very vulnerable territory and we hate the feeling of being messy and messing up our plans. But if we just roll with it with as much grace as possible, acknowledging what is out of our control… I swear… It can be done. I think the key is to put the blinds on when it comes to outside judgement, and just focus on handling each situation with lots of calm, while also inviting that unexpected “fun”. These are the good stories. We don’t want to miss out on them.
After we got home, I gave this lighthearted approach some thought and compared it to how I handle things as a photographer.
1. In the absence of props, wardrobe, catering, changing room, etc, I can still make it happen! I’m resourceful and I can improvise like crazy! (Do you remember Macgyver? I used to love that show and now that I’m a mom and photographer, that approach sure comes as handy as ever!)
2. I’ve always been agile with a backpack, but now I am also a pro when it comes to flying, taking the tube, bus, taxi, etc, with loads of photo and/or baby equipment! I really don’t think that many people can plow through London’s rush hour on public transportation with 2 roller suitcases + 2 carry-ons + backpack + baby on ergo, with a smile on their face. But, yes, I can! Okay, the smile wasn’t all there, all the time, but still… And I made sure the most important things weren’t left behind… Yep. Still got the baby! :)
3. I care a LOT. I really do everything in my power to make sure everyone is always well and happy. Fact.
4. Which brings me to another point and confession. I never thought I could be the one to put my oxygen mask first. I can actually look back and see how many times I failed to do so, in order to save another before saving myself. (Not always successful, I might add.) So, finally, motherhood (and travel with a baby) has taught me once and for all, that I’m much MUCH more useful when I am breathing. Yep. Happy mama, Happy baby. Also, Happy business, Happy clients, right? In the past I have bypassed my own needs, rates, processes, etc, in order to try to book a client, and/ or to avoid difficult conversation and dealings. Not anymore. My business policy is full disclosure ahead of time of everything I need in order to get the job done, plus a detailed plan of how I intend to approach the project (logistically and financially), so we are both on the same page ~ and happy ~ throughout the entire process.
5. Lastly, my intuition is so right on and it never EVER fails me. So, from now on, I’m borrowing some of Steve Jobs’ last words to his family (according to his sister’s eulogy in the NY Times): “For the really big, big things, you have to trust me. You have to.” And I really hope that you will, dear clients!
More pics to come soon…
xo
*edited
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