This past week, I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on how I’ve set up my fall—and for the first time in 15 years of business, I feel like I finally got it right.

I didn’t have any sessions this weekend, which might sound unusual during the busy fall season. But honestly, it was exactly what I needed. Having a weekend free before preschool photos begin this week gave me space to relax, reset, and prepare for what’s ahead. Instead of rushing straight into the season, I was able to catch my breath.

Looking at my calendar, I’ve also intentionally left Thursday and Friday evenings open, as well as Saturday mornings, because those are reserved for football games with my kids. In years past, I would have packed my calendar so full that there was no room for anything else—no margin for bad weather, unexpected reschedules, or even just time for myself and my family.

Now, when I see a day starting to get too full, I block it off. I’ve learned that protecting that time is just as important as booking sessions. It’s a way of honoring my own limits, valuing my family, and giving myself the space to actually enjoy this season instead of just powering through it.

Today, I’m simply grateful. Grateful for the lessons learned over the years. Grateful for the growth that’s come from experience. And grateful that I can step into this busy fall season with balance, excitement, and peace.