my favorite photos this summer (so far)

Jul 13

A few weeks before school let out, I decided this was going to be a summer where I’d simply “stay lost” in motherhood. I’ve always been a self-care lover, an authentic-self defender, and a not-going-to-sacrifice-myself-for-anything kind of girl. Yet going into this summer, I felt exhausted—like I was going against the grain of life by trying to keep up with all of that.

I ignored the exercise routines every thirty-something seems to be sticking to, the pressure to get in 30 minutes of meditation and journaling each morning, the need to maintain all of my "me time" rituals, and even the expectation to plan content. I left those expectations behind and instead focused on putting one foot in front of the other, with all three of my kids home for the summer and no plans for camp or daycare.

With that, I’ve felt like I’ve been strapped into a rocket ship 24/7.

Yet there have been a few moments of calm—moments when my mind is pulled toward something beautiful and I feel myself (the me, the Hannah side) light up. Catching the perfect flower scene on my patio while ignoring the plastic toys scattered across the yard. Snapping a quick, unstaged flat lay photo (my favorite, and most easy photo to take, IMO!). Even cherishing the occasional photo my kids have taken of me. And just when I need it most, finding myself in the kitchen for a lovely baking session—made even better with fresh flowers nearby.

A few simple photos that feel like proof of a life well lived, albeit a little crazy.

If you’re reading this and you’re in it with young kids, here’s your reminder to enjoy the microseconds of you time. I know it’s possible because I find something nearly every day.