Breaking Joy

Join me as I share my unique approach to the new year, focusing not on resolutions but on self-commitments. I dive into five commitments I'm making to myself in 2024. From cutting out misaligned work to giving myself permission to dream, these commitments are rooted in aligning my life with my values and passions. Discover how setting boundaries in my photography business and prioritizing self-development play a crucial role. I also unveil my journey toward becoming a children's author and emphasize the importance of embracing every emotion, especially grief. Lastly, I discuss my ongoing commitment to physical and mental health, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own growth and challenge them to make meaningful commitments for the year ahead.

Unraveling six profound lessons that unfolded during the difficult year of 2023. This episode is a candid journey through the intricate layers of grief, where I share deeply personal excerpts from my journal, offering a glimpse into the profound pain, anger, and faith that accompanied the loss of my mother. From navigating the duality of emotions to embracing self-compassion and challenging societal expectations, 2023 became a year of transformation, learning, and rediscovery. Join me in this vulnerable conversation, where I lay bare the lessons that shaped my existence and invite you to find resonance in your own journey of growth and self-discovery.

Join me in this emotional episode as I reflect on the past year since saying goodbye to my sweet mumma. In the spirit of vulnerability, I share the heartfelt eulogy I wrote for her funeral—a tribute to her strength, laughter, and the lasting impact she had on our lives. Through tears and laughter, we navigate the journey of grief, growth, and cherishing memories. May this episode bring solace and connection to those experiencing their own losses.

Today we're diving into a tender but important topic: how to be there for someone when they've experienced a profound loss. I open up about my personal journey of grief and offer some heartfelt advice. I talk about the power of just being there for someone, even if you feel a bit awkward or don't know what to say. I also touch on how to respect boundaries and give grieving loved ones their time and space, but don't hesitate to show your support with small gestures of kindness. And I share a crucial tip about connecting with grieving loved ones without piling on your own stories of loss and trauma too soon. Throughout, you'll feel like you're having a heart-to-heart chat with a friend who's been through it all and genuinely wants to help you navigate difficult seasons of loss.

Here's a glance at this episode…

 [3:00] The power of showing up for someone who's grieving

[8:02] How to respect boundaries and give space

[9:33] How to ask questions and connect

[12:28] The importance of not rushing the grieving process

there's a balance between positive + negative thinking.. and i think it's often misunderstood.. so today i'm sharing some short thoughts about these mindsets.

this episode is short but powerful - i'm sharing an excerpt from the journal.. but it's not a pretty one. these are the moments the movies don't warn you about.. and the sounds you never forget... this is goodbye.

if you are in the photography industry this is one episode you don't want to miss!! i'm spilling the beans on 15 mistakes you may be making on the wedding day.. and a bonus mistake i know most of us have been guilty of... you will learn a few hills i'm willing to die on and i'd love to learn what your hills may be too!!

Here's a glance at this episode…

 [0:50] one thing i teach my team

 [5:30] one rule i always follow

 [7:14] a hill i'm willing to die on

 [9:19] something sometimes "controversial"

 [12:20] into the unknown

 [13:32] it's not all about you

 [15:07] you may be missing out

 [18:55] a bonus - hint: 99% of you do this

in this episode, i'm giving an inside peek into my health journey over the last handful of years!! chatting all about when things took a turn, the actions i took to advocate for myself along the way... and finally the answers i have been searching for.

Here's a glance at this episode…

[2:50] my hope in sharing

[4:25] a glimpse at life before

[6:33] when things started to change

[11:54] what it looked like at the worst

[15:02] the first diagnosis possibilities

[23:56] one of the hardest things about all of this

gavin wade of cloudspot is breaking down how his own experiences as a wedding photographer led him to see gaps in the industry that inspired him to create the company he leads today.. and be sure to tune in so you don't miss the exciting news about what is coming soon!!!! and if you're a photographer, you can head here to grab 20% off any monthly or annual plans...

here's a glance at this episode…

 [7:00] where most of your time is spent + business mistakes

[12:30] how the entire company started

[17:21] what creeps in no matter how big your business is

[25:00] coming SOON to cloudspot

[31:37] hustle culture + it's effects

[37:05] how business boundaries protect relationships

[43:51] rapid fire: how to connect with gavin + his most important business lesson

in this episode, i'm sharing all about common nightmares photographers have before events and the stories that go with them!!! i'm also giving away a special gift that can help you overcome ANY lighting struggles you may have — and save you some mooolaaa!!

The J & M Lighting Course

* use code SHARONSENTME for $300 off!

Here's a glance at this episode… 

[1:30] episode disclaimer

[1:59] #1 when to arrive

[4:45] #2 experiencing difficult lighting

[6:42] a special gift for you

[8:57] #3 battery life

[9:55] #4 memory cards + storage

women are supposed to... today i'm sharing a spoken word inspired by a recent interaction with my daughter... i have so many thoughts about the expectations put on women... no matter their age

Here's a glance at this episode… 

[0:42] women are supposed to...

[1:03] what i'm trying to teach ava + myself

[1:45] a thought on women empowerment

[2:07] things i'm tired of...

[2:35] instead, how about we...

after 14 years i have learned quite a few things about what it takes to make it through a busy season. there have been so many times where i was completely burnt out. as someone who is multi-passionate… i have realized how important it is to look at what systems are in place. so today i am sharing a few ways you can better prepare yourself for busy season.

Here's a glance at this episode… 

[2:02] how to implement automations

[2:49] how to stay on track

[3:06] learning to delegate

[3:37] how to utilize a calendar system

[5:06] outlining seasons + marketing strategy

[5:49] evaluating workflow systems

when it comes to behavioral analysis, personality research, or understanding human behavior... i can talk for hours... so it may come as no surprise that researching personality assessments and taking them frequently IS a favorite past time of mine. today i'm talking about a recent enneagram test that gave me the results i've been searching for for so long. 

Here's a glance at this episode…

Here's a glance at this episode…

[2:54] my myers-briggs personality type

[6:23] what I strongly believe 

[11:24] drumroll... i am an enneagram... 

[17:11] #1 - to become more self aware and operate from your highest good

[17:20] #2 - it allows you to identify areas....

[17:39] #3 - understand how you can impact and...

[17:55] #4 - it will give you deep insights on your...

[18:10] #5 - ultimately you can better understand...

[18:24] BONUS 

after years of trying to find the right fit... i've finally found a therapist i feel safe with! finding a good therapist is just like finding a good pair of britches -- sometimes you think they're gonna fit just right, and they end up not even comin' up over your thighs 😂 in today's episode, i'm sharing 8 things i've learned from my therapist and i hope you'll be encouraged to keep advocating for yourself on your hunt to finding someone you trust!!!

Here's a glance at this episode…

 [3:32] an overview of my diagnoses

[7:00] there is a difference in judging ourselves vs acknowledging our behavior

[8:02] feelings of panic, fear, or anxiety are not caused by the current presence of danger 

[9:18] empathy, understanding, and a deep rooted gratitude can all actually be survival tactics

[10:00] some grounding methods... like meditation and breathe work... can actually be triggers for those who have experienced trauma

[10:32] thinking about your thoughts will only get you so far 

[11:06] you can actually be afraid of happiness

[11:45] feelings anger... and the act of violence... are not the same thing

[13:36] in order to heal... you don't have to remember every single detail of the experiences you've gone through 

today I'm answering some of the questions I get asked the most...  questions about my marriage, my health, and my associate team... to if I have a bucket list... my nicknames... and wrapping it all up with a few random ones just for fun!!!

shoot me a DM on Instagram @sharonhundley if you have any questions for a future Q/A episode... and remember to let me know... what is the worst gift you've ever received... ahhhhh!!

Here's a glance at this episode…

[0:51] what is the secret to your relationship??

[2:28] how are you feeling?!

[4:16] how is your mom feeling??

[5:27] aren't you worried about your associate team..

[7:02] how long will you shoot weddings?

[8:oo] what is on your bucket list?!

[10:52] who is your favorite author??

[11:58] who is shay.. and what is sharonda?!

[12:49] and... a few more.. just for fun...

today’s episode is a little something fun.. it's spring break so I thought this would be a fun week to bring Miss Ava on the podcast for a little Q + A. you won't want to miss these questions she came up with..

You may remember back in episode 23 I mentioned this open book series.. I was inspired by Alisha Crossley’s podcast called Imperfectly Polished! I loved hearing her read her written word and I was so inspired that I thought I’d give it a try too!

So today we are continuing that series and I'm sharing an excerpt from something I wrote recently...

Here's a glance at this episode…

[1:34] what should my future book be about?

[1:57] a decision I have to make

[2:39] today's excerpt

[4:08] Ava tells me..

[5:17] something I want to tell you