–Not how you WISH you lived.
Case in point: Framed family pictures (professional or not) are reasonable for most people but apparently not for me.
Our last professional family photo was 10 years ago, and those didn’t even make it to frames. Shameful, I know.
I’ve tried! But somehow, even my “Oh, we’re finally all here, decently clothed, and almost all-smiling-in-the-same-shot” candids still have never made it to our hallway gallery. And, if I’m honest, this is not going to be something I pull off anytime soon, either.
But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE pictures (like I was the photo “Historian” for a group in high school and made scrapbooks long before they were vogue). So, I finally accepted these two competing realities and compromised with this:
This bulletin board hangs in my hallway where our large framed professional (out-of-date–like, added another family member since then) prints used to hang. Now, I can add candid shots whenever I want, including those of my adorable niece and nephews (who happen to have moms more diligent with family photos). A few ribbon flower embellishments and rhinestone push pins dress it up. A sign declaring my fan girl love for these people helps make the collection a focal point.
And who knows, one day I’ll probably put back the beautifully carved and coordinated frames holding lovely, professional pictures of my family. Until then, this display supports my desire to have those I love ever before me–without all the expectations of a “Most people have . . . ” or the shameful, “It shouldn’t be that hard . . . “.
What “wish you could” or “ought to” do you need to let go of today?
Ask yourself: what about the “wish you could” is most appealing? Does it accomplish order? Make a statement? Link you to something or someone you care about?
Abandon any justifications for why it isn’t your reality and put that energy into achieving what’s possible. Once you decipher the value at stake–the essence of what you’re really trying to accomplish– you’re on your way!