Some New Years Resolutions....

I thought long and hard about putting up this post.... Mainly because I'm not really a 'New Years Resolution' kinda gal. In fact, this may be the first time I've actually put pen to paper on such. However, I think goals, and accountability, are incredibly important in moving forward, and so, here I am :)

Some of them are kind of crazy, but then, I've kinda gotten used to crazy. This whole venture of becoming a photographer has been a little crazy, right?? So we'll say yes to a little crazy ;) And excessive use of the word crazy 'cause that's just how we roll ;)

So without further ado:

1. Stop comparing - my work, myself, my blessings. Comparing makes everything seem duller, makes achieving your dreams feel impossible, sets your head back. I want to grow, to be thankful, to measure myself against my own abilities. And in order to do that I need to stop looking to others. Easier said than done ;)

2. Grow as an artist - Now, if you ask anyone who's known me a while, they'll tell you - this gal has issues drawing straight lines with a ruler. Anything I painted would be a mess. But give me a camera, and it's as if I come alive - I've discovered a creative side of me that I never knew I had. And I struggle to trust her, because I don't know her all that well yet, she can be a little unpredictable ;) But so far, she hasn't led me astray, so I'd quite like to get to know her better and take this journey as equals :)

3. Draw inspiration - What I didn't realize before recently, is that the same way one has physical levels of energy, there's only so much creativity you can use up in a day. And those 'batteries' need to be recharged, regularly if you want optimal performance! I'm slowly learning how to do that in a way that works the best for me, but I need to fit more of that in to my every day life.

4. BALANCE - this is a biggie for me. Juggling 'two lives' means I need to be extremely careful about what gets sacrificed at the end of the day. Keeping everything in perspective and order of importance is key for me in making sure my personal relationships don't fall by the wayside.

5. NEVER FORGET - As much of a struggle as these early days can be, I want to remember them :) I want to remember how joyful they are, the learning curve, the JOURNEY. Because Internet, it has been so joyous and precious to be. It's been SUCH a blessing to find this amazing thing called photography, because it's set my heart ablaze with joy :) And when times are tough, that's what pulls me through :)

6. Be more thankful - I've been surrounded by the most incredible support system, and I'm not sure that I thank them enough. Especially my husband. He's taught me things I'd never have learn on my own, carried my heavy bags, set up tripods, researched gear, and listened to me when I've asked him to shoot a certain way. I wouldn't have been able to do this without him, and for that I'm blessed :)

7. Own a 50mm 1.2f. And a Canon 5D mkIII whilst we're at it :) - yes, that's it, why the heck not ;)

8. Continue to book clients I love - I've been incredibly blessed with the most amazing clients. More of the same please :)

9. Pass the love on - I've had the immense privilege of getting advice from, and assisting, the most talented photographers, and I want to find a way to pay that forward. I always want to find a charitable way to use my photography for those less fortunate. Will pray on those 2 counts :)

10. Pray more - For blessings, support, happy marriages, days filled with joy, brides who feel beautiful, grooms who cry with joy, breathtaking sunsets, pretty pink blossoms, windswept grassy fields, lit-up mountains, fluffy clouds.... And most of all - LOVE. In all it's forms. And the ability to capture it meaningfully.....