sunny 16

does not matter how well you expose or amazing the camera is, if your lab blows, your images will blow. there is a reason richard photo lab is the lab you hear everyone talk about. not only reliable results, phenomenal results.

JAC!

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amen.

First all, this is very sweet. Thank you! And you must know, I do have downer days/weeks and I do have melt-downs too but for the most part, I try really hard to be positive and I not get overwhelmed.

I read this question a couple days ago and decided to think about it for a little before answering.

I came up with three tips:

1)Find what makes you happy. Me? Creating. I find joy in making things with my hands (food, crafts, clothing, puzzles, decor). Being with others. I have to have interaction in the day. I call around see if we can come visit, see if anyone wants to come over for lunch, you get the picture. Reading my scriptures. I try and make sure I read for at least ten minutes a day, it really makes a big different in my day!
AND find what makes you NOT happy, and avoid it. I used to have facebook about two years ago. But, I found myself comparing to people WAY too much, I starting thinking I was too fat, too poor, not traveled enough...SO dumb. So I got rid of it. I have it now, cause I know I can handle it. TV doesn't make me happy either. We do not own a TV. Negative people/gossip. If I hang out with someone that complains a lot and/or gossips, I simply limit my interaction with them. This seems so simple, but really I think it's important.

2)Dont worry about things you have no control over. If you need to write a list of things that are stressing you out, and then divide it up into two groups "control" and "cant control". Whatever is in your "cant control" pile, you need to let it go. My friend Megan did this beautifully: http://thepolishedpickle.blogspot.com/2010/09/making-peace.html

3)Keep your focus on the BIG picture. For me the big picture has a lot to do with my faith. I believe that there is life after death, and that my family will be together forever. That being said, when times get hard, like with death, it is merely a short separation, rather then the end. It was so hard when my mom died when I was young, but her death wasn't the end, it didn't end my joy. Because I know I'll see her again. Even in simpler matters, like right now, my girls both are deciding to be picky eaters. Not cool. I found myself stressing, but really, when they are 20 they probably will eat tomatoes and asparagus again.
I ask myself a lot "does this REALLY matter?".

Sorry if this was scattered but I think these three things help me stay calm, and positive.