I took the challenge and did a "Decade in Review"

One of my favorite inspirational coaches is Marie Forleo. I don’t listen to her as much as I could, but when I do, I’m always glad I did. For one thing, she always makes me laugh. She’s actually pretty silly, a lot of the time.

But, mixed in with her silliness, laughter and good humor are some true gems.

After watching her video about doing a Decade in Review, I decided to suggest doing it to my wife and two friends. We had taken a trip to our tiny cabin in the mountains, and it seemed like a good way to spend an evening after a day of hiking.

The act of looking back at our actions over the decade of the 2010s proved incredibly powerful. We learned as individuals and as a group. (You find out quite a bit about a friend when they share answers to questions as compelling as these.

The first section of the Decade in Review was all about what you’re most proud of and included these steps:

Over the past 10 years, what have you done that you’re proud of? 

What are the obstacles you’ve overcome? 

What are some of the results you’ve created in your career or life since 2010?
— Marie Forleo

Our small group made it through the first question. We came up with lists of things, large and small, that we were proud of.

Me with Mom and Sharon in 2016. I took Lots of selfies with Mom. She loved to look at them after I took them and would ask me to take another if she wasn’t happy with the way she looked. here’s one of my favorites.

Me with Mom and Sharon in 2016. I took Lots of selfies with Mom. She loved to look at them after I took them and would ask me to take another if she wasn’t happy with the way she looked. here’s one of my favorites.

For me the years between 2010 and 2017 were some of the most meaningful of my lifetime. During that time, I walked with my mother along her Alzheimer’s journey. At times, it was difficult, at other times enlightening, and always love-filled.

My mother and I grew closer together than we had ever been.

Spending time with my Mom during those 7 years, gave me more satisfaction than almost anything else I’ve done in my life.

Looking towards the next decade, I know to pay more attention to relationships, than to career, awards, money, travel, etc. Because, I’m certain that it’s the way I interact with the people I love, that once again, will be most significant when I reach the next turn of the decade in 2030.

I plan to be here and happy, and hope you will be, too.


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Cindy Brown

I'm an Atlanta wedding photographer who takes soulful, quirky and honest photos ...

I'm also an adventurous traveler and all-round nerd. I love to hike with my beagle/cattle dog Roux and best friend/spouse.

I was born in Atlanta, moved around a lot--30 cities and 5 states--and then came back.

After graduating from the Art Institute of Atlanta, I took a job at asmall newspaper in south Georgia, where I photographedhospital teas, pecan farmers, and beauty queens.

I photographed a biker funeral, death penalty protests andTed Bundy while interning with the Associated Press.

While a photographer for two dailies in Florida, I photographed Ronald Reagan, a train derailment and the dedication of a screened-in porch.

An unexpected life turn took me to Vermont where I fell in love with Bernie Sanders and on to Indiana, where I edited photos for a major daily, and nerded out getting a master’s and PhD.

After teaching photojournalism at colleges and universities in Florida, Indiana and Mississippi, I returned to Atlanta to earn myfifth degree--a Master's of Divinity.

My passion for storytelling with my camera and my interest in religious diversity led my to the field of wedding photojournalism.

I have documented weddings large and small, Unitarian and Pagan, indoors and out, Christian and Muslim, in backyards and in churches. The most exotic wedding I have photographed took place in Mexico and was officiated by aMayan shaman.

When I'm not photographing weddings, portraits or corporate events, I work on personal photo projects, visit friends in amemory-care home, and volunteer at a recovery center.