I feel disappointed dear bloggy blog. It's been one of those weeks...
There really isn't a big reason for it. People close to us have made comments - nothing terrible, but enough for my mind to shift into overdrive with overanalyzing. We received some news that made us feel discouraged. It should have felt like good news, but for some odd reason, it just didn't. We're tired. We haven't slept well due to stress and jetlag. We caught colds...
It's just been one of those weeks.
I remember hearing a saying back in college. When you're feeling down or cranky, just remember the word H.A.L.T. Check yourself if you're feeling Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Don't make big decisions, don't say things you'll regret, just take a look into yourself and see if it's simply one of those four very basic emotions.
So I decided to stop working and do what I usually do when I'm feeling a little down or discouraged. I put on some John Mayer and I cook something. It doesn't matter what I'm making, as long my mind is engrossed in the smell of roasting peppers or fresh lemons or spicy noodles. Just as long as the only thing I can hear is the music and the sizzling of the pan, then I won't hear my own thoughts that tell me I'm no good. That I'll never make it in this business. That I'm not good enough. That we've got everything all wrong.
But I know that these feelings and these thoughts will pass. That it's ok to feel down every once in a while. Discouragement and exhaustion are pretty common risks when you're in this kind of business. So I just keep cooking, I pour some wine for two, and we sit down next to each other at the table, hold each other close, and count our blessings that we have each other. And even if the discouragement takes a few days to disappear, I know that at the end of the day I can always cook and we will always be holding each other close over a meal for two.
And suddenly, I don't feel so discouraged anymore.
Hugs,
Erin
9 comments
Jeff Cleveland - Erin, I too have been thinking of this post all week. I wish there were a better way than the comments section to let you know how encouraging you are to Jan and me. When we’re working hard and I start to wonder if it’ll ever amount to anything, you, Erin, are my inspiration!!! (That sounds corny but I mean it.) I watched you work so hard at Chelsea and Ryan’s wedding and I can only assume that it’s that dedication that is a huge part of your’s and Jeff’s success. (By the way, the exact pictures in my mind are either you standing on top of a chair, on your tip-toes, getting exactly the right angle for a detail shot and the semi-trance you were in while you worked on the slideshow!)
I’m not sure what made this day rough for you but I pray you’re able to work through it and arrive at the other side knowing that you inspire many people and it’s because of who you are not what you do. We love you, both. See you soon!
Erin - Thank you so much everyone. You’re comments seriously are encouraging and it means the world to us! We love you guys so much!
Erin
jenna rowe photo - Erin, ive been thinking about your post all week! thank you for your candid omissions. i, however, cannot believe that YOU of all people feel how i feel nearly all of the time! it makes me realize that no matter who we are or how far along we are in our lives/businesses- doubt is always lurking. I strive everyday to build HALF of the business you and Jeff have built. I strive everyday to be HALF of the kind of people you both are! to hear that you question whether or not you have it ‘right’ kills me! you have it SO right and you already have ‘made it’ in this biz. and youve ‘made it’ with respect, integrity, love, passion and a ridiculous amount of courage. you are so beautifully humble. and i would worry if you didn’t question these things! it means you care and you that you have enough respect for life, your business…your clients, to know you won’t always have it in the bag and that there is always room to improve. kudos! you guys have been so very helpful to me and this community. i cannot thank you enough. and i LOVE your blog
cherrish these not so great moments. you’ll never appreciate the truly great ones! you guys ROCK! xo
Betsy, la Vida - I love you guys for being you And being so transparent about the emotions we all go through. You two rock and you are loved. What more could you ask for?! Xoxo
kate - all I can say is the following:
1. awesome-sauce
2. you rock
3. stinkin cute
4. ka-ching all aboard the married couples train
what does that equal??
The awesomeness of Erin and Jeff and the impact they have on their couples/friends and their ability to bring out the best, the funny and the crazy sillyness out of everyone.
We adore you not only love you and that’s HUGE! It’s huge cause so does the entire world.
xoxox
Andi Nicole - To feel discouragement once in a while means you are still human! But alas, it’s no fun to be in this state of feeling. I have said a prayer for you guys today. I hope you get some rest and feel renewed! Another Day, Another Adventure. You guys are wonderful
Paul Manke - Hun, you are so not alone in this!
Unfortunately, I have it often! I have more than one chronic condition that keeps me from even doing things around the house. Much less qll the stuff you guys do!!
I would be thrilled to be in your shoes!!!
Not good enough? In sorry, but what you post on this blog is way beyond good!! It shows how incredible you two are and how blessed you are in your business!
I aspire to be you two!!
Love, Paul Manke!
Katie Scoville - Awwww, Jeff & Erin- you guys deliver so much joy to so many closet-blog-readers daily. Wes and I just had your bruschetta recipe last week and thought of you.
We think of you every time. Thanks for sharing with us the good, the bad, and the food. I hope that whatever has got you down passes quickly. Hang in there!
danielle - erin, you and jeff are absolutely the most talented photographers we know, and are some of the most fun people to be around. so not sure what the discouraging news is, but you guys rock (to use one of your phrases!), and we hope you kick whatever it is to the curb