The BE Project | Lauri and “Intentional”
Every year, The BE Project invites people into my studio to pause, reflect, and choose a word that will guide the next chapter of their lives. It is not about perfection or reinvention overnight. It is about honesty. Courage. Becoming.
When Lauri stepped in front of my camera, she spoke with bright resolve about her word for the year: “Intentional.” After a season full of unexpected reconnections and chance encounters, she realized she no longer wanted to leave meaningful moments to coincidence. This year is about choosing connection, health, and joy on purpose.
The BE Project exists because I believe that we are all evolving and every person deserves to see themselves as art while they are becoming the person they are meant to be.
Why She Chose “Intentional”
Lauri explained that for years her life felt shaped by happy accidents. Running into people. Bumping into old friends. Spontaneous reunions.
Now she is flipping that script.
If someone says they should grab coffee, she is putting it on the calendar. If she wants to reconnect, she is reaching out. If she wants to feel better in her body, she is making space for that too.
She is tired of stagnation.
This year is about movement.
“Forget the happy accidents. I’m going to make it happen.”
What She Is Working Toward This Year
Lauri has a long and hopeful list.
Reaching her goal weight, without pressure or obsession. Finishing at least one remodeling project at home. Spending time with people she has missed. Showing herself patience instead of urgency.
She spoke about wanting to lose twenty more pounds, but in a way that feels healthy and sustainable, letting progress unfold without letting it steal her peace.
This year is about steady effort, not punishment.
What Grounds Her
When asked what brings her calm, Lauri lit up.
Music.
Classic rock blasting through the speakers while she drives, sunroof wide open, cold air rushing in while she sings along with zero concern for the temperature outside.
No road rage.
Just freedom.
Just joy.
Just her, fully in the moment.
What She Is Learning About Herself
Lauri is realizing she is far stronger than she ever gave herself credit for.
She recently maintained a forty-pound weight loss for an entire year, something she once believed was impossible. Doing what she needs to do now feels less like struggle and more like self-respect.
Turning sixty has sharpened her priorities.
The small stuff no longer deserves her energy.
What matters gets her focus.
Photographing “Intentional”
In the studio, intentional looked like clarity.
There was a lightness to Lauri, paired with confidence earned through consistency. A woman who knows she can keep promises to herself now and is ready to build the next chapter with purpose instead of hesitation.
Her portraits carried optimism, grit, and a sense of momentum.
A Final Reflection
Lauri’s story is proof that intention changes everything.
Who you call.
What you commit to.
How you treat your body.
How loudly you sing in the car with the windows down.
It all adds up.
What word would you choose for this season of your life?
What are you stepping into this year?
Get added to the waitlist for The BE Project at Beautiful Evolutions Photography in Burleson, Texas.
The BE Project is a black-and-white portrait series by Beautiful Evolutions Photography honoring growth, courage, and the beauty of becoming.
