While I’m an advocate for making changes whenever they’re needed, a new year truly does feel like a clean slate. No, you don’t get to leave all of your challenges or obstacles behind in 2019, but you do (hopefully) have an opportunity for a little time off to regroup and re-frame what you want out of life in the months to come. I believe in setting goals, intentions, resolutions – whatever you choose to call them. They give us moments to look forward to and help us reflect on just how far we’ve come. Before you look forward, however, I encourage you to take a look back. Here’s a peek at my 2019:
2019 Peaks
- I grew my photography business exponentially.
- I opened a photography studio for families and little ones.
- I launched a scholarship program at the University of Kentucky fully funded by my business.
- My best friend and I agreed to spend forever together on November 3rd.
- We welcomed a second fur child into our home and hearts.
- I quit a job that truly worsened my anxiety.
- I started a new full time job as a college social media marketing manager.
- I signed multiple contracts for long term partnerships for both blogging and photography.
- I hosted more than half a dozen events for local bloggers to network and support local businesses.
- I photographed weddings and births.
- I invested in my health and wellness by getting regular massages and working out often.
- I gave a keynote address about authenticity to over 500 incoming college students.
- I saw more live music this year than the three previous years combined.
- I visited Seattle, DC, Hilton Head, West Virginia, and other destinations.
- I invested in new friendships and renewed old ones.
- I developed a style of images people can count on and expect from me.
2019 Valleys
- I had panic attack after panic attack early in the year. Still working on this one.
- I didn’t finish my book – that one probably hurts the most.
- I said yes way too many times and consistently overbooked myself.
- I dropped the ball a number of times with clients and at work, due to overbooking, and had to admit defeat.
- We lost one of my childhood pups.
- I didn’t keep a budget the way I had hoped.
- I lost touch with a few people I didn’t intend to let slip away.
- I saw a brief return of side effects of my autoimmune condition.
- Situations in our country and world honestly became too much to stomach, too many times.
- I got taken advantage of by clients and ultimately had to let them go.
- I lost a memory card to one photo session – I’m still mortified.
I have a lot I’d like to accomplish in 2020. When I start making the list, most of the goals come from a professional place out of instinct. Most of my life is based around my work. I’d like to say 2020 will be the year I’ll invest stronger in the personal goals I set for myself, but we both know they can be one in the same. This year, I’d like to:
- Work smarter. If that means less, great. If it means more thoughtfully, better. I’d like to have greater impact in fewer number of contributions.
- Love my body – on the inside. I’m pretty at piece with the physical appearance side of things, but I still eat like a twelve year old boy most days. I’m cutting out soda entirely and limiting alcohol intake. Pray for me in dry January.
- Care for our home. Now that I’m preparing for marriage, literally nothing changes for us. I’m fortunate that we’ve built a stable home together and won’t have to overhaul our lives to introduce this new commitment, but I do want to contribute more at home with basic tasks like cleaning and repairs. Working two jobs gets me out of a lot of these responsibilities, but I think I should trade my camera for a mop and memories some days.
- Get married, responsibly. I am beyond excited to share our vows in September, but this whole wedding thing is high stress on the wallet. I’m working diligently to stay within budget and to make investments that last beyond just the day.
- Tell more stories. I’ve gotten really good at capturing other people’s best moments, but I forget to narrate mine with more than an Instagram caption. I want to talk to my internet community like they aren’t strangers – because honestly they’re not. I want to write more frequently and in more depth – not just when I’m paid to do so.
- Finish my dang book. It will happen – ASAP. No playing around any more.
I’m constantly stressing to others the fact that, regardless of your goals, your own well-being comes first. I am consistently in awe of the partners that make this blog possible who support that mission. In renewing my commitment for 2020, I promise to never push products or experiences that compromise my platform and messaging. This year, REEDS launched an exclusive collection of jewelry made for women, by women. The STOP collection is simple reminder to stop and take time for yourself. It’s a symbol you can wear to remind you that self-care is necessary and a trait of strong individuals. I’ve said it before, and REEDS is helping me iterate it again: give the world the best of you, not what’s left of you. Check out the STOP collection here including the necklace I’m wearing. Some of my other favorite pieces from the line can be found here and here.
If that wasn’t special enough, REEDS is running an amazing self-care themed giveaway to kick off the new year right. One lucky winner will receive a luxurious trip for two to Asheville, NC complete with airfare, a stay at a resort and spa, a delicious culinary experience, and a choice between three tranquil and rejuvenating spa treatments. Ten runners-up will be given a self-care package which includes DIY spa goodies, a one-year subscription to a highly rated wellness app, and a gorgeous piece of jewelry from the new STOP collection. Sound enticing? Enter here.
