Dear 2013,
What a year you have been. I always feel extra nostalgic at the end of each year and the beginning of a new one. Reminiscing about the things that happened, what dreams did I achieve, what memories did I make? A little less than a year ago, I handed in my resignation and left my full time day job in order to follow my passion for photography, and for the stories they tell. It wasn’t so much a scary time, but an uncertain time. The scary part happened when I contemplated the possibility of being a full time wedding and portrait photographer. Once I made up my mind about it, it wasn’t so scary anymore because it seemed possible. Possible but still so full of uncertainty. I pushed through that though, and focused myself, one day at a time, one session at a time, one wedding at a time. Making goals, checking off to-do lists, trying to maintain some balance in life during the busy summer & fall months, and trying to not get lost in the operation of my business and keep those big dreams in sight.
There were a lot of ups.Working with amazing couples and families who understood my vision, shared that vision and trusted me to document their story in the form of photographs; shooting my first, and then my second destination wedding (those are coming soon!); running a profitable business in my first year full time; but most of all, waking up everyday and not regretting or dreading going to work. That feeling, that was how I knew I was definitely doing something right.
There were frustrations and disappointments too. Lessons learned the hard way, and heartaches. But I also worked through them, a lot of times with the help of my amazingly supportive husband, and some really awesome friends. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspect for me has been adjusting to working from home. all. the. time. I really struggle with a self-imposed schedule, not to mention it gets lonely! This Oatmeal comic explains it all. :)
So many things I have learned. How to let it go when it’s not in your control; how to walk away when I’m too emotional to respond to an email; the realization that some things we need to learn and relearn constantly, not everything is like learning to ride a bike; the importance of saying ‘no’; the importance of carving out time for myself, to rest and to stay inspired; the importance of finding my own way and staying true to it.
I’m not a big New-Year’s-resolution kind of person, but one of my biggest goals for 2014 is to push myself to dare to dream bigger, to continue living with love, intention and purpose, and to find a way to give back to the community.
Thank you 2013.
2014, let’s do this!
Love, me.
But what’s an year-end review without some photos? Here are some highlights, favourite moments, favourite photos. Wishing you a year full of love, laughter, great food, moments that you will never forget, and adventures.