Image Credit: Mikaela Ruth

I am so excited to begin the Inspiring Women Series with my dear friend and wedding photographer, Jamie Delaine! From the moment I started reading her blog, what feels like a decade ago, I fell in love with her warmth and her heart. When I first envisioned the Inspiring Women Series she was one of the first people I asked because I couldn’t image it without her. She has been such an inspiration to me from the very beginning. I hope you are inspired by what she shares with you, it is such an honour to have her here.

Name: Jamie Delaine,
Occupation: Photographer & Writer
Website: www.jamiedelaine.com  Blog: www.jamiedelaineblog.com

Three of your favorite things to get you through the day (apps/drink/workout):

Three of my favourite things to get me through the day are my Bible – inspires everything I do and centres me. Reminds me I’m not the most important element of my day and it’s not all about me. When I take the time, I also love going for long walks alone, it’s refreshing and often provides new ideas. Oh, and probably green tea. Because it keeps me going.

Who are you inspired by, and why?

I’m inspired by creative, outside-the-box thinkers. I love seeing people of any age living life to the full. I love learning from those who have dedicated to their lives to serving others, with their gifts, talents and money. TED talks inspire me. Photographers inspire me. Entrepreneurs inspire me. Missionaries inspire me.

To get where you are today, how did you ‘feel the fear and move through it’ anyway? Where there any moments you thought you’d just simply, quit?

There are so many of those “feel the fear and move through it anyway” moments in life and business. In my writing, I often feel that fear. Can you write authentically if you don’t? I’m learning, no, unfortunately – to write well, you need to write truth. To write truth – you need to be sharing a vulnerable part of yourself. The times where I have dug deep, I have shared something real and honest, the response has always been a beautiful thing.

I feel like quitting a lot, to be honest. Not so much in my photography world, but in my writing world, yes. It’s easier to not share. To not take the time to write, laboriously deciding which words to put down on a page to describe your feelings inside. But I keep going.

We always want to know how others balance it all, and I’m sure you feel like you don’t, but tell us some ways on how you stay on top of your game. What gets left behind, what gets top priority, and what helps you stay grounded?

There are some serious pros and some cons to working from home. I’m a “do everything I see right now” kind of woman. If I see laundry, dirty dishes, dust on the coffee table, I will do it then. Or use my will-power to “ignore” it because I’m working. I have to focus on work during the day – even if it’s an hour of dedicated work, then clean for 10 minutes. And repeat. The mind break helps me.

What gets left behind is unfortunately the things that shouldn’t. I work on my business rather than writing. I clean the house rather than writing. I work on my business instead of going to the gym. The older I get, the more I realized there will always be something on your to-do list. So call it quits, transfer the list to tomorrow and do what you need to do.

What are your must-have tools to keep on top of every day tasks as well as your busy life?

My to-do list is a must-have. I love having the Teux-Deux app handy on my iPhone to jot notes as I think of them. I also use my Google Calendar religiously, marking most hours of my day with tasks. Finally, a moleskin notebook, to write down scribbles of thoughts.

Living intentionally takes action and dedication, is there a specific moment in your life where you made the decision to live intentionally? Or has it always been the way you’ve lived life?

Living intentionally was something in my bones from a young age. I’ve always been Type-A and never been into wasting time. My summers as a teenager were spent writing letters to friends at camp, making scrapbooks, playing with my camera, going for jogs, cleaning the house. I’ve always loved to see things accomplished.

However, there’s a difference between an intentional day and an intentional hour, I’m finding. I can have productive days – but there are moments I wish I spent differently. Less time on social media is a big one. Or in a business world where social media is vital, targeted time on social media. Have a goal, achieve it. Log out.

How has your life changed since you’ve been living it intentionally?

I’d say it’s a continuing journey. It’s neat to have goals and work towards achieving them.

How have family/friends been supportive?

My husband is very like-minded. It’s been an easy thing for us to dream together.

Do you have any rituals or friends you call upon when you need extra support or encouragement?

Absolutely. My husband and then also my friend Kristen. (http://www.imkristen.com)

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to live intentionally but doesn’t know where to start?

Write out your goals! Where do you want to go? How will you get there?

Where do you look to draw from when you want inspiration, visual or narrative, for the life you intend to live?

Honestly, to my faith. I’m not living an intentional life for myself and my own dreams. I want everything in my life to reflect God. I want to use my time and energy to love people and to make a difference.

I’m always inspired to hear what other people’s dreams are, what dream of yours are you currently working towards that you envision happening in the next year?

Oooh boy. That’s a good question. And as a newlywed, one my husband and I are trying to figure out together as we do life as “one person” now. I recently updated my website and checked that huge goal off the list – but I’d say continuing to develop my blog into a really fun place to visit + stay an hour. As well as write my heart out.

Images from Jamie Delaine.

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