There is no question about it: The teenage + young adult years are unique. I am grateful for the pictures and journals I have from my own youth – for sure. But oh, what I wouldn’t do to have more everyday kind of documentation … pictures of the little things that made up my world at that time.
I mentioned last week that I was planning to work with a handful of teenage girls on documenting their lives. It was so awesome to be with them, see their pictures, and watch as they felt the ease and enthusiasm of getting those memories into a Project Life album. Now Kayla’s in really good company with many of her own friends and peers documenting their everyday life as she has been doing this year. If you missed that post, go HERE.
Today I’d like to introduce you to another special young woman.
Meet Shelby (and a couple of her dearest friends).
It just so happens that cutie-patootie Shelby (left) has a knack for photography. She’s a Junior in high school and has undeniable talent with a camera (and otherwise). I wanted to share some of her pictures today, in hopes that you will:
A) share this with a teen or young person on the verge of becoming an adult, inspiring them to take more everyday pictures.
B) feel inspired + motivated yourself … no matter what your stage of life.
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So I’m talking to you young people now. This is my message to you. Today. Right now.
First and foremost, I have a deep desire for you to understand your great worth and your awesomeness. I know that in this phase a life there is often confusion + frustration + hurt feelings + even insecurity on so many levels. Please, please, please know that you are God’s treasure. Literally. You are. Please make choices that reflect that. Life is too short to be unkind to others or experiment with things that will hurt you or be careless about your decisions.
Part of cultivating a good life is surrounding yourself with good friends. Good friends lift you up and motivate you to be a better version of yourself. Respect your parents. They’re not perfect, but they sure do love you and want what’s best for you. Work hard in school. Find out what you really care about and start chasing after that dream. Don’t let ANYone tell you you’re not good enough. You absolutely have more potential than you even realize.
You will make mistakes, but you know what? Tomorrow is a new day. Brush yourself off and do better. Be better. Stand up for what is good + right + true. Oh, and the next time someone makes you mad or sad? They actually don’t. No one makes you feel. Your attitude – no matter what it is – is 100% your choice. You have the gift of agency. Use it well. Choose happy.
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Okay, so now let’s talk about documenting that life of yours. Sure, there are big moments in your life: First dance, first date, getting a drivers license, applying to college, getting a job, prom, concerts … stuff like that.
Now let’s fill in the gaps.
I want you to be more attentive to the everyday things that make up your life … instead of only focusing on the next “big” thing. Your life is so interesting, regardless if you think so right now or now. Mundane stuff like what you eat for dinner, what your messy room looks like, and your latest purchase? Those are definitely things you’ll appreciate having pictures of later. Trust me.
If you have a camera, you are undoubtedly snapping pictures of your friends and the goofy things you do together. I have plenty of pictures like this from my youth. I think that warrants a whole blog post.
But have you thought about taking pictures of your clothes, your dresser, inside your car, what you read, products you use everyday, your favorite technology must-haves, weekend adventures, weekend laziness, how you get to school, and other daily or weekly rituals and routines? Check out a few more pictures from Shelby, along with her own personal documentation.
Documenting life with pictures + words together? Powerful.
My closet/clothing. Ever since I can remember I have always had an incredible love for shopping and fashion. Almost every single item of clothing I buy is from the clearance rack. I’m getting 5 shirts for the price of one! I love mixing patterns and styling things together in new, fun ways.
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My vanity. So I am a bit obsessed with jewelery, lotion, perfumes… all that girly stuff. I must keep a collection of it! 
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My scriptures. They are one of the most important things in my life. I couldn’t imagine not having them. It’s strangely comforting to know that they are always by the side of my bed, ready to be read, and ready to give me answers, peace, and guidance. I read them every night, but of course, I am nowhere near perfect and slip up on my routines. The days I go without reading them are just miserable. The lessons and stories embedded within the pages of this truthful testament of Christ bring the uttermost happiness into my life. I can’t even count how many times I found so many answers to my prayers and questions inside the scriptures, even at times without even asking the Lord first. Just another testimony to me that He knows who I am.
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My sanctuary – also known as my bed. Yes, I do everything on this bed. Read my scriptures, write in my journal, do my homework, watch movies, talk with friends, make crafts, say my prayers, sleep, sleep, sleep, edit photos, and sadly enough, I have eaten meals on this bed. It’s sort of my “go-to” comfort place. To me there is nothing more comforting than this bed… definitely where most of my teenage years have been spent.
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My ‘daily thought’ journal. Yes, I do write in this every day. Starting about 1 year and a couple of months ago I started writing in this little prayer journal once a day… it usually is something I learned that day, something I thought was funny, or something I strengthened my testimony on. I’ve only had it for a little over a year and I already enjoy looking back on the old mini entries. I was surprised just how wise I can be! haha!
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My ‘Mr. Mine’ journal. Okay, I am totally lame that I do this, but about 6 months ago I started this journal to my future husband. I write about 1-2 times a month, and they are just simple entries to my husband about who I am, what I think about life, what I believe in, what I hope him to be, and what traditions and goals I went to start with my eternal family. I will give him this journal on our wedding day… not sure if he’ll enjoy it but at least I did!
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Okay, so most of you don’t have a Mr. Mine journal. (Personally, I think that is just the coolest idea.) But did Shelby’s pictures get your wheels turning? Can you look around you today with a different perspective, and hopefully a camera in your hand? You don’t have to have a fancy camera to document your life. You just need some way – any way – to snap pictures of the world around you and capture the details that make up who you are. Cell phones can be great for that.
Go forth and cultivate a good life. And record it.
In doing so, you just may find yourself happier, healthier, and even more motivated in everything you do.
…..
Just for you.
I created a list of Everyday Life Photo Ideas for Teens + Adults. Go on. Save it. Print it. Share it. But most of all – use it as a springboard to jump-start your resolve to take more everyday pictures.
Tags: shelby, teens, young adults
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing and I will be sharing! ;D My son has so many fabulous pictures from highschool chamber choir, etc but right now they are just in digi form. Need to get him printing some and documenting more of the little things.
LOve, LOVE. LOve that Mr. Journal. I did something like that in college when I was fed up with dating and did not have a clue who, if or when I would marry someone. I did give it to my husband. He did think it was “silly” but he hates to journal. But, I still love it. And so do my kids!
To be honest, I am not a great blog reader. I was just looking around your blog and then started reading….WOW I just LOVED it. I am not a teenage…but I am a Christian and this just lifted me up!!
Thank you for such a beautiful post, I will treasure it!
Thanks for this Becky and giving us the list as a download. I ‘encouraged’ my daughter (23) to get caught up on her Project Life this past Tuesday, and she was asking ‘What shall I do for a quiet Week?’ I suggested she take some everyday photos randomly which could be used alomost anywhere to fill in gaps. That went down like alead balloon… so I am hoping your post will hit the spot. Thanks again.
[...] thinking about this because scrapbook goddess Becky Higgins wrote a great blog post with a list of suggestions to get started on documenting those everyday moments in life. She wrote [...]
Just had to let you know – daughter just sent me a photo of her work desk, having read your blog post! Yeah! Success!
Dear Becky,
Thanks so much for sharing your great ideas. I have a college daughter and 2 nieces that I have shared this with. And Shelby your “Mr. Mine” journal is about the most amazing idea I have EVER heard. It’s sort of like a “prenup” and I’m not so sure that you should wait for your wedding to give it to him. I think it might make a great Engagement gift for him (sort of a forewarning “here is who I am, take me or leave me now” LOL). You are a talented girl and I wish you the best.
Regards from Tampa
I’m a 30-something, and I think these ideas are perfect for my own PL!
Shhhweeet! Love this! My teenager is not into having her picture taken. at all. Just for the record I don’t give into that easily because I know her and I know one day she’ll appreciate my picture taking. This list is fantastic because now I can record other aspects of her life I’ve overlooked. Thank you for the inspiration Becky and Shelby…I’m off to shoot some everyday teen life today
I love this post! I gave my 3 of my 4 neices Project Life core kits, albums and page protectors for Christmas this year because I want them to start taking photos and recording memories early (they are 15, 8 and 7). After seeing the whole PL process, my 11 year old nephew wants to get involved too! So, he’ll be getting all the elements for his next birthday. I’m printing 4 copies of this list for the kids to keep with their PL supplies…just as reminders of all the things that are worth remembering.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Becky (and Shelby) for the great ideas…hoping to get my 14 son on board, he has always loved his scrapbooks that I did but maybe this will inspire him to do some memory keeping on his own.
I love this inspiration and will share it with my 11 year old son. Thanks for the photo ideas.
Awesome post Becky!! And Shelby is too cute. This will help my daughter continue her Project Life as she already loves pictures and her smashbook/saving things and the whole memory thing. Love it!! Have a wonderful day.
How did you know I needed this? Thank you! I’ll be sharing it with my kids when they get home from school today! I hope it’ll get their wheels turning.
What wonderful ideas! Shelby is also very insightful and how lucky to be so at a young age. I love that she prays and reflects on the scriptures and also keeps up with both of those amazing journals! Thanks for sharing!
Maybe these teen posts will convince my niece to do some memory keeping of her own when she starts high school in the fall!
Ok first – can I steal her closet? Fabulous! Second – the “Mr. Mine” journal – so cool! I’m 33 and married, but that would have been very cool to give to my hubby. And finally – Shelby seems like such a great chick. Strong faith, great friends, she’s grounded and super cute! Thanks for sharing Shelby!
“You will make mistakes, but you know what? Tomorrow is a new day. Brush yourself off and do better. Be better. Stand up for what is good + right + true. Oh, and the next time someone makes you mad or sad? They actually don’t. No one makes you feel. Your attitude – no matter what it is – is 100% your choice. You have the gift of agency. Use it well. Choose happy.”
This is what I got from your blog today. It actually made me cry. I’m having such a hard time with my adult child (Well, 21 year old). Thank you for reminding me I don’t have to be mad or sad – it’s my choice.
[...] ideas for teens~photos to take about your life~You don’t have to be doing Project Life to get good ideas from this [...]
I loved this- I just stumbled upon your blog and thought of the youth I work with at church and how much they would love this! It is funny how you can start reading something from a stranger and get that little vibe that maybe the writer is a member of your faith, and then see some beautifully modest girls and start to really wonder- and then to see the scriptures opened made my day. beautiful. thank you
I started a “Mr. Mine” journal too, nearly 20 years ago. By the time I was engaged it had many very very deep thoughts of my heart. I too was going to give it to my husband for a wedding gift but then decided to hold it for a year and give it on our first anniversary as the traditional 1st anniversary gift is paper. My husband appreciates it but wasn’t able to read it at once as it was a bit too much for one setting. In the end it was really for me to write prayers for him in, during my single years.
Becky – thank you, thank you for posting about Shelby and Kayla….I can’t tell you how much this has helped give me some direction for my daughter…..she started high school this year and needless to say, I have seriously questioned some of her choice of friends and activities….she is such a bright and talented girl and I continuously try to make her understand that her choices today can have an impact on her life tomorrow. “A” (as I will call her) loves to take pictures and has a birthday coming up in the next few months. I truly believe that a Project Life kit will help her to organize her thoughts and dreams and put her entire life into perspective. Thank you again – I appreciate your thoughtfulness!
This is such an awesome post!! I wish I could have read this as a high-school student. I always made scrapbooks and kept memories, but I would have LOVED all this inspiration back then. I’m 23 now, and still have a lot happening, so I still appreciate all the inspiration. I think Shelby is so sweet and inspiring! She seems like such a great person. I want to use this to inspire my 15 year old niece–she could use some inspiration. I absolutely LOVE the Mr. Mine journal! That is sooo awesome it almost makes me cry! To Shelby, the man you marry is so lucky and he will LOVE that journal. I am getting married in less than four months to my high school sweetheart. I wish I had a Mr. Mine journal to give to him! But hey, you have inspired me to create something similar…he maybe already know me, and I know him, but I can still write a journal to give to him on our special day. LOVE this post! Love Project Life. Love it all! Thank you!!
This is wonderful – I’m going to use it right away with my church group of young women (ages 12-13). What a powerful message, and great encouragement to capture the details of their lives! One of my girls is always looking ahead, can’t WAIT until she’s 13 – I hope this helps her to see value in where she is right now.
[...] this idea around in my head for awhile now. I thought of waiting until next year to start. But this post really grabbed me and made me realize that if I didn’t start Project Life this year, [...]
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