Reflections and Resolutions

2018 was, in a nutshell, eye opening. I turned 27, I tried to really dig deep and figure out who I was and what I wanted. I explored different creative outlets. But in the process of that I took a step back from my first passion, writing, partly because I wanted to see different forms of expression and partly because I felt like what I was writing didn't carry meaning. 

Well guess what, I'm back. 

I spent a large part of 2018 learning how to love myself. I tried to take my insecurities and make them into strengths. In turn, I feel like I am the most confident I have ever been. To be honest,  it feels pretty damn great to sit here at the end of the year and see how far I have come. In 2019 I'm shifting my focus and I think its important to share why, because I don't think I am the only one who may be working on it. 

I've always prided myself on being the friend that people trust to help them sort through whatever is going on to find the best answer. A helper, in shorter terms. It's something I've based my whole adult life around quite honestly. And I'd like to think I may have made some kind of an impact in my 27 years. But still, for the first time in my life I had a moment of panic and clarity when I realized something huge; I've pushed people to follow their passions, to break down walls, to fearlessly go after what they wanted, yet part of me has always been scared to truly take my own advice. 

2019 will be different.

I consider myself someone who's always down for anything. Call me up and ask me to go on a road trip, 9 times out of 10 I'll be at your door in an hour with my backpack and camera. BUT as responsibilities have changed and stress from work spilled over into my personal life I noticed that I was more likely to not be fully in the moment like I once was and, as a result, haven't felt like the best version of myself. 

In the new year I am making it my goal to take advantage of meeting new people, hearing their stories and learning from them. I want to continue to immerse myself in different areas, make the most of my time by seeing new places, and push myself to become an even better version of myself; hopefully making some kind of an impact along the way.

 A new year brings new opportunities for both joy and heartache. Unfortunately we have no way to predict how things may turn out, but the one thing that's certain is that each day is a new opportunity to get out there, look fear or self doubt or whatever may be holding you back in the eye, and embrace the day. 

What do you want your 2019 chapter to look like? 

xxxx

Here are some of my favorite snaps from the past year: