The changing of seasons is a great time to go inward, listen and become aware. The fall equinox asks us what are we ready to harvest? What are we letting go of? The start of fall is a great time to check in on the year so far.

I’ve been reflecting on my growth as a yoga teacher, my role as a SAHM and my photography career.

I’ve been having a lot of self doubt as a yoga instructor. I don’t feel like I’ve found my voice. But I have come very far this year as an instructor and I’m not letting that growth go unnoticed. I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished and the volume of classes I’ve decided to take on which have fit into my life nicely.

Another role I really stepped into this year is being a stay at home mom. Kessler is home with me everyday and most days I have a routine that works for us. I never envisioned this is where I’d be and I’m so glad I’m here.

Lastly, photography… I announced in June that I was stepping away from photography sessions and clients for the reminder of 2025 to focus on Kessler and this summer, I did. It was a much needed reset. My insistence on booking zero clients subsided as my bank account dwindled and I have booked a few sessions in late October and November. Along with booking came excitement, anxiety and a teeny bit of dread. Much less though. I’m aware I need to keep my finger on the pulse through fall and not lose sight of where I’m putting my energy.

Great time to reflect and I’m so excited my second favorite season is here 🍁 ❤️

Most excited for: Uggs, foggy runs, and pumpkin spice lattes.

Least excited for: seasonal affective disorder

Xoxo,

Just Another Taylor

Last weekend I traveled back to my hometown for my sister’s birthday. As I’ve mentioned in past posts, it’s always hard for me to be away from home and away from my safe place. By safe place I mostly mean Caleb, Rudy and Kessler but also my routine.

This part of my introverted personality is misunderstood by the extrovert I have always considered myself to be. A contradiction within my being that hates being away from home or being around anyone except close friends and family yet craves adventure, new experiences and unfamiliar faces.

I try to balance these personality traits so that I’m not completely drained one way or the other but recent conversations I’ve had with people have me questioning am I becoming too introverted? Am I staying home too much? Am I fucking weird for being a stay at home mom?

The conversations were in passing and surface level, so I have no idea why I have continued to ruminate on them.

“That’s weird” was the reply I got when I said that I don’t like being away from Kessler. “I’m sorry” was the reply I got when I told someone I’m a stay at home mom. (Okay I kind of get the I’m sorry 🤣)

Comments like these are few and far between but when they come I’m fucked up about them. I immediately spiral into the belief that I’m some kind of freak who doesn’t know how to exist in society properly. Actually now that I’m typing this, I’ve never been able to squeeze myself into a societal box that well.

I occasionally complain about being a wife but the fact is that Caleb is my person and one of the only people I can completely relax around.

I occasionally complain about how fucking hard being a mom is but the fact is that this is the only thing I’ve ever truly wanted in life and is the most important thing to me.

They are my safe place. And I’m not weird.

Xoxo

Taylor

I realized after I made the last two updates that I never shared a life update before those.

Again, the last time I was very into writing blog posts was nearly a decade ago.

Since then I’ve gotten married and become a mother. Those are the two biggest and most important life things that have happened for me. Everything I’ve ever wished for, btw!

I’ve also chosen an additional career path as a Yoga Instructor. I love it!

Xoxo,

Just another taylor

It’s already mid-August and our summer family road trip is officially over. I don’t even want to know what is waiting for us back in Arkansas. A lot of dead plants.

As we packed up to leave Salida, CO this morning Caleb and I started the “where did summer go?” conversation. According to him we lose an hour of daylight in August.

We make a Colorado summer trip every year with various stops on the way to our final destination, Salida. This town is where big mountains, desert vibes and river fun all intersect.

There is a lot to do in such a small town. Biking, running, surfing, rafting, shopping, dining + community events to name a few.

We have the best local guides and spend our time here like one.

What I did

What I ate

Where we stayed

This year we stayed in an airbnb loft style home that inspired me with its attainable interior design and zen qualities. I read a couple of the host’s books that were displayed on the shelves and really enjoyed the stay here.

This book was a good concept for me to come across. As someone who finds life to be mostly mundane and depressing the idea that some enlightened and spiritual paths are “laundry” was incredibly comforting.

As I wave goodbye to summer and all it offered this year I’m looking forward to fall, pumpkin spice and being a homebody.

xo,

Just Another Taylor

Today marks my ONE YEAR  anniversary of working at Cocos Boutique in Joplin. Which is both rewarding and scary. –Rewarding because I get tired of everything way too fast and the fact that I have stuck with this and still love it makes me happy. Scary because a whole year has passed and I’m not sure where it went or what I’ve done?????? Mostly hate that I am a year closer to 23 (insert vomit face emoji.) Buttttt I am pretty excited about the amazing cupcake they got me ^^^^^.

I have learned a few things in the last year about myself and what my wants/needs from a job are. It has made me a better person and I know for as long as I live I will NEVER work for money if the job makes me unhappy. Unless it’s a million dollars. Then I’ll consider it…. Anyway, here are some important lessons I have learned at my job the past year:

1. When you love your job, all other aspects of your life get better because you’re in a better mood and don’t dread waking up everyday.
2. Feeling guilty for taking a personal day is dumb. Life is short. Take off early to go to a concert or to go see your friend out of town because that’s what life is actually about.
3. Getting along with (or even just tolerating) the people you work with is the difference between being annoyed 24/7 and acquiring new friendships. (PLUS, you never know when these acquaintances might come in handy!)
4. There is no such thing as too much caffeine on Monday.
5. Knowing your worth is IMPORTANT. Make a list of everything you bring to the table. Here are mine: photography, social media skills, killer looks, amaze-balls personality– okay sorry, I got carried away there. But seriously, if you feel like you’re getting taken advantage of, you probably are- and you should address the issue ASAP or you’re just going to continue to be unhappy.
6. Not being able to answer a e-mail or text immediately is not going to kill you. Or your boss. So chill.
7. Saying “I can’t do that” isn’t going to solve the problem at hand. So come up with a better solution. (STILL WORKING ON THIS ONE.)
8. If you love your job, a 30 minute commute seems like a cake walk. It actually becomes one of the most relaxing parts of your day. –If distance is something stopping you from taking a job you know you’ll be happier at, I am telling you- it’s not that bad. I am starting to have such an eclectic taste in music as well.
9. If you bring fish for lunch, everyone is going to comment on how bad your food stinks. Everyone.
10. You spend FORTY hours of your week at this place. FORTY. I’m terrible at math but that’s a serious amount of your life. FIND SOMETHING YOU ENJOY!

–P.S. how funny is this picture that they posted of me as a “meet our new employee”  HAHA I love it. Nothings changed and beer is still my favorite.