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My mom is my hero (but it wasn't always that way).

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My mom is my hero (but it wasn't always that way).

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Working on breaking the dangerous patterns of my family . . .

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Working on breaking the dangerous patterns of my family . . .

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The Smile Project is a way for me to PRACTICE GRATITUDE

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The Smile Project is a way for me to PRACTICE GRATITUDE

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Aimee Joyaux - #thesmileproject | LensCulture

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Practicing Gratitude #thesmileproject I don't do much portraiture but I got a great new video app that is inspiring me. Cinematic makes beautiful 6 second videos. I'm asking people to look away from the camera and slowly count to 3 and look up and smile.

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I'm working on being a better writer. I challenge myself to reflect in public.

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I'm working on being a better writer. I challenge myself to reflect in public.

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The 10 Principles of Storytelling.
1, Tell your story as if you're telling it to a friend:
This applies no matter where you are or who your audience is.

2, Set the GPS:
Give the place, time, setting and any relevant context. Keep it factual, short and sweet.

3, Action! Use active verbs or, as I like to say, 'Think Hemingway':
Spice up your verb choices but keep them succinct. Invest in a thesaurus (or a free app). Avoid multisyllabic, erudite, four-dollar words, over-intellectualising, philosophising, qualifying. See how many I just used? It's boring to keep reading them, isn't it?

4, Juxtapose:
Take two ideas, images, or thoughts and place them together. Let them collide. Remember German philosopher, Friedrich Hegel, here: That in posing two opposing ideas, a whole new idea is created (thesis + antithesis = synthesis). This tool wakes up your audience and is the root of all successful stories.

5, Gleaming detail:
Choose one ordinary moment or object that becomes a 'gleaming detail'. Something that best captures and embodies the essence of the story. Make the ordinary extraordinary.

6, 'Hand over the Spark':
Reflect in the experience or idea that originally captivated you and simply hand it to your audience as if it were aflame. Carry the fire.

7, Be vulnerable:
Dare to share the emotion of your story. Be unafraid to ask your audience what you questioned along the way so they share your doubt, confusion, anger, sorrow, insight, glee, delight, joy, epiphany.

8, Tune into your sense of memory:
Choose the strongest of the five senses in your story and use it to make a deeper connection with your audience. There is always one primary sense that dominates every memory.

9, Bring yourself:
A story is as much about you as anything else.

10, Let go:
Hand over your story, letting it build to its natural, emotional punchline, then end it and get out fast. Leave the audience wanting more. Less is more.

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The 10 Principles of Storytelling. 1, Tell your story as if you're telling it to a friend: This applies no matter where you are or who your audience is. 2, Set the GPS: Give the place, time, setting and any relevant context. Keep it factual, short and sweet. 3, Action!

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Sometimes I am envious and covet other people's accomplishments - I'm working on doing that less.

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Awed to witness the Poor Clare sisters in their morning worship. Described as contemplative nuns who live a life of prayer, community and joy, they took turns singing and reading from the bible.

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Post by aimee.joyaux.

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1. bossy people
2. violence or intimidation
3. substance abuse, verbal abuse, sloth

I've gotten better at:
1. Asking for what I want and need
2. Walking away from situations that aren't healthy
3. Practicing healthy boundaries
4. Scheduling ME time
5. Saying "NO"

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Working in my community is important to me.

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Working in my community is important to me.

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1. eat my fruits and veggies
2. get my rest
3. exercise daily
4. offer support to others and give them snacks
5. listen