a picture of a morning breakfast with sun coming in with the words mindful morning routine

How To Create A Mindful Morning Routine

Starting your day with a positive mindset and a mindful activity is crucial!  Early morning self-care rituals can significantly alleviate anxiety and depression, enhancing overall mental well-being. Incorporating your favorite coffee, cozy slippers, or quiet music into your morning can foster a sense of presence and groundedness. It’s important to personalize your routine; there is no right or wrong! Experiment to discover what energizes and aligns with your spirit, and it doesn’t have to look the same every day!

1. Start The Night Before

Starting your mindful morning the night before helps because it allows you to wake up in a calm, organized environment, reducing morning stress and decision fatigue. Preparing the night before—such as choosing your outfit, planning your breakfast, or setting a to-do list—can enhance your morning routine’s effectiveness. This proactive approach also ensures a better night’s sleep, as it minimizes anxiety about the upcoming day, allowing you to wake up refreshed and ready to engage in your mindful activities with a positive mindset.

2. Avoid Technology 

What do we see when we reach for our phones first thing in the morning? A list of notifications. Emails and calendar reminders.   Engaging with technology can quickly shift your focus from internal awareness to external demands, undermining the benefits of a calm, centered start. So what to do if you aren’t on your phones? Instead, consider starting with a quick meditation or deep breathing exercises to center your thoughts. Journaling can help you set intentions and reflect on gratitude. Gentle yoga or a quiet walk in nature can connect your body and mind. Reading a few pages of an inspiring book can also uplift and prepare you for the day ahead.

 

3. Make Gratitude Your First Thought

Gratitude is one of the most impactful habits, especially when done first thing in the morning. It can positively influence our day and help us to move through the world with love and kindness toward others. You can also keep a gratitude journal on your nightstand. Write down something you are thankful for before going to sleep, and then look at it first thing in the morning. You can also write letters of gratitude and connection to the people you care about. This has a guaranteed success rate of 1000%. It is impossible to not feel a spark of joy and love when you write down what you are grateful for.

 

4. Create Small Rituals

Embrace simple, joyful rituals to enrich your mornings. Light a candle while your coffee brews, or awaken your senses with a refreshing spray. You could also have your favorite, most softest pajama pants and slippers that will help you feel warm and cozy even on cold winter days! 

 

5. Feed Your Body and Your Mind
 
Feeding your body and mind with nutritious food in the morning is integral to a mindfulness routine because it sets a foundation for physical and mental well-being. Nutrient-rich foods fuel the body, enhance concentration, and stabilize mood, making it easier to maintain a positive and focused mindset throughout the day. This act of nourishment is also a form of self-care, signaling to yourself that your well-being is a priority, and establishing a tone of kindness and respect for your body and mind from the start of the day.
 

 

Conclusion
 
Cultivating a morning routine starting with mindfulness and self-love is not just about starting your day right; it’s about affirming your worth and dedicating time to your well-being from the moment you wake up. This practice sets a tone of kindness and respect for yourself, establishing a foundation for how you’ll engage with the world each day. It’s a powerful reminder that you matter, your needs are important, and taking time to nurture your body and spirit is essential. A mindful morning routine is an act of self-love that energizes, centers, and empowers you to embrace the day with confidence and grace.
 

 

Conclusion
 
Cultivating a morning routine starting with mindfulness and self-love is not just about starting your day right; it’s about affirming your worth and dedicating time to your well-being from the moment you wake up. This practice sets a tone of kindness and respect for yourself, establishing a foundation for how you’ll engage with the world each day. It’s a powerful reminder that you matter, your needs are important, and taking time to nurture your body and spirit is essential. A mindful morning routine is an act of self-love that energizes, centers, and empowers you to embrace the day with confidence and grace.
 

 

In a world saturated with filters and posed perfection, capturing authenticity in photography remains a powerful art. It’s about telling stories that resonate, evoke emotions, and connect people. One of the most inspiring examples of this is the film “Harper and Will.” This movie beautifully captures the essence of rediscovering oneself and connecting with others on a profound level. Below are some tips to help you capture authenticity in your photography, taking inspiration from the heartfelt story of Harper and Will.

Creating Connection Through Photography 

Just as Harper and Will find strength in their vulnerability, showing genuine emotion in your photography involves trusting the process and being open to capturing those unscripted moments. Here’s how to do it:

  • Engage with Your Subjects: Before picking up your camera, spend time talking with your subjects. Understand their stories, what makes them laugh, and what brings them joy or comfort.
  • Capture Candid Moments: Instead of staged poses, look for moments of genuine interaction. Like Harper and Will’s spontaneous adventures, the real magic happens when people forget the camera’s presence.

Be Vulnerable

Don’t be afraid to show vulnerability in your photographs. Vulnerability is powerful and can make your images resonate deeply with others. Remember, we are multifacted human beings- and we all want to connect on deeper levels!

  • Capture imperfections: Just as Will and Harper’s imperfections made them relatable, capturing imperfections in your photos can add depth and authenticity.
  • Express emotions: When you photograph yourself, allow your emotions to come through. Whether it’s joy, sadness, or contemplation, these emotions can tell a compelling story.

 

Use Natural Light

Natural light is your best friend when it comes to capturing authentic images. It can enhance the natural beauty of you or your  subjects and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • Golden hour magic: Photograph during the golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) for soft, flattering light that adds a touch of magic to your images. You can also use this time of day to create mood, character and emotion.
  • Find the right angles: Position your subject so that natural light highlights their features without casting harsh shadows. Experiment with angles to find the most flattering light.

 

Tell Your Story

Every photograph should tell a part of your story. Whether it’s a self-portrait or a candid shot of your loved ones, aim to convey a narrative that reflects your experiences and connections.

  • Choose meaningful locations: Just as the backdrop in “Harper and Will” played a role in their journeys, select locations that hold significance in your life.
  • Incorporate elements: Use props or elements that represent your interests or passions to add layers to your story.
An image of Steph Shanks outside holding a camera

Ready to Capture Your Story?

Are you ready to tell your story through captivating, authentic images? Whether you’re capturing life’s big milestones or the everyday beauty around you, these tips can help you create imagery that is both meaningful and memorable.

If you’re looking to take your photography to the next level, consider working with a professional photographer who understands the art of storytelling through images. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families capture their unique stories with authenticity and connection.

Book A Call with me to learn more about my services and start your photography journey today!

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An Empowering Portrait Session with Annie

Recently, I had the joy of photographing Annie, the inspiring Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin 2023 and national third-place finisher. Annie’s mission is all about advancing accessibility, inclusion, and awareness around disability and caregiving, and she’s impacted countless lives by speaking at over 52 events this year alone.

Building a Brand and a Legacy

During our session, Annie’s dedication to her platform, “Caring Is Caregiving,” was so clear. She’s using these headshots to grow her speaking business, Annie Speaks LLC, and her design brand, Annie Designs LLC, where she brings her creativity and vision to her clients. Her advocacy is close to my heart, too, as a caregiver myself for my son, Drew, who has cerebral palsy. We ended up chatting about the joys and struggles of caregiving, and I was deeply moved by her commitment to helping others feel seen and supported.

Fostering Community and Connection

Annie’s story reminds us that personal branding goes beyond self-promotion—it’s about creating genuine connections. Her work with nonprofits and her advocacy have created a community of support and inspiration. Whether through her speeches, her design work, or the images we captured, Annie is showing others how to embrace their story with purpose and courage.

You can follow Annie on Instagram here.

Image of Annie Heathcote in front of fireplace

The Journey Towards Empowerment

For Annie, personal branding is about more than just self-expression; it’s about empowerment and authenticity. Her work as an advocate, designer, and speaker showcases the incredible potential of personal branding to create positive change.

By sharing her story and values, Annie has inspired others to pursue their passions and make a difference. Her headshots have become a powerful tool in her mission, capturing her essence and amplifying her message.

Fostering Community and Connection Through Personal Branding

Personal branding isn’t just about self-promotion; it’s about building a community and connecting with like-minded individuals. Annie’s work with nonprofits and her speaking engagements have created a network of support and encouragement.

For women,  personal branding can be a powerful tool to foster connections. It allows you to share your experiences, wisdom, and passions with others who may be on similar journeys. Whether through social media, community events, or professional networks, your personal brand can be a bridge to meaningful relationships.

Practical Tips for Building Your Own Personal Brand

  1. Define Your Values: Identify the core values that guide your life and work. These will become the foundation of your personal brand.
  2. Craft Your Narrative: Share your story in an engaging and relatable way. Highlight your achievements, challenges, and aspirations.
  3. Invest in Quality Headshots: A professional headshot can enhance your credibility and make your brand more memorable.
  4. Engage Your Audience: Use social media, blogs, and speaking opportunities to connect with your audience and build a community.
  5. Stay Authentic: Be true to yourself in all aspects of your personal branding. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty.

Celebrating Stories Like Annie’s

Annie’s story embodies resilience, purpose, and faith—qualities that remind me why I love photographing women who are stepping into new chapters of life. If you’re ready to capture your own story, let’s connect. Whether it’s a personal milestone or a brand story, I’m here to help you shine. 

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Finding Your Voice Through Video: Faith Dey of LIVE WELL VIDEO

Faith’s Journey to Finding Her Voice

Like so many of us, Faith’s path was filled with moments of doubt and uncertainty. Finding her voice in a world that often feels crowded with stories was no small feat. But she persevered, trusting in her own growth and slowly breaking down the walls of self-doubt. Now, her journey fuels her mission to help others do the same.

When Faith created her business, she set out to build more than a videography business. She built a welcoming space for people to show up as their authentic selves, to share their unique stories with confidence. She believes that each of us deserves to be visible, to feel valued, and to know that our voices matter – especially for women in business who often don’t see themselves represented.

Faith Dey Live Well Video Personal Brand Photo

Bringing Women Together to Be Seen and Heard

Faith’s calling goes beyond the work of a typical videographer. As she started filming more clients, she began to notice  common thread in her work: “How many women are struggling with this?” she thought. “Every time I film somebody, they say, ‘I don’t like how I am on camera.’” But that inspired her to dig deeper, asking herself, What if we all just got together and supported each other to feel more visible, more comfortable – to truly accept who we are?

And that’s exactly what she’s done. Faith has created a beautiful community through LIVE WELL VIDEO that encourages women to embrace themselves, flaws and all. Her work is about so much more than just video – it’s about sharing honest stories, celebrating the perfectly imperfect, and empowering others to feel at home in their own skin.

Making an Impact: Capturing the Heart of Every Story

Through her work with LIVE WELL VIDEO, Faith has touched the lives of countless women, helping them feel seen and celebrated. Many of her clients describe working with her as a deeply transformative experience. One client shared, “Working with Faith was like finally being able to say what I’d been holding back for so long. She gave me the confidence to be me on camera, to show up as I am.”

Faith’s gentle, empathetic approach allows people to feel comfortable, safe, and loved as she captures their stories. Every video, every session is filled with heart, as Faith strives to bring out each person’s unique spirit, reminding them that they are enough just as they are.

Personal Brand Photography: Capturing the Real You

When Faith came to me for personal brand photography, it was clear that she wanted a photographer who could not only capture her personality but also help her feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. She shared, “Getting my brand photos with Steph was a no-brainer for me. I saw that her work is beautiful, and I also wanted to work with her because of the calming presence that she is. I had avoided getting professional photos done in the past because I felt self-conscious. I knew that Steph would be the perfect person for me because I knew I would be comfortable with her, and I trusted her to create beautiful branding shots that I would be proud to use.”

Ready to Find Your Voice?

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creator, or someone simply looking to show up a little more confidently, Faith’s story and her work are beautiful reminders that we all have a voice worth hearing. Reach out to LIVE WELL VIDEO to learn more about her work, or tune into her Visible Women podcast for weekly reminders that being visible is something we can all embrace, one small step at a time.

And if you’re ready to bring your own story to life, consider capturing it through photography as well. Together, video and photography create a rich tapestry of your journey, making it easier for the world to see and celebrate your unique voice.

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