I remember through photographs. Everyday a memory pops up, thousands and thousands of images on my phone + computer to remind me. The good days, the bad, the okay.
The start of a new year simply means to me the continuation of chapters and the closing + beginning of others. I didn’t view 2016 through a lens of wanting it to end, certain chapters throughout the year, sure, but 2016 was much more than just a year.
I found pieces of myself through frustration, disappointment, celebrations, mourning, triumph, shame, discomfort, persistence…I refuse to focus solely on the bad, but also refuse to focus just on the good.
Each played a piece like an orchestra making all of the melodies connect at the right time.
I am where I am because of the choices I made and how I decided to responded to what was dealt my way. Not always the best when I look back at them, but mistakes will be made.
Yesterday the boyfriend asked me what my goals were for 2017.
“To be more patient.”
He laughed, “That’s not really a goal. What’s something that you want to achieve?”
I couldn’t decide at the time. If I’m being honest, my patience is a beast in its own. It leads me often down paths of negativity and unhappiness. It’s something I have to tame and tame often or can devour my perspective. It’s not so much that I’m an incredibly impatient person, it’s what develops when I start to lose my patience…or lose trust in letting God lead. If 2016 taught me anything, it was that life goes a little easier if I keep my patience.
In late 2015, I decided to expand my business and move to Charlotte, NC. I knew it wasn’t going to be an easy move to grow my business here, but it’s one time I’m glad I didn’t lose my patience! A nice healthy year for the biz and two Charlotte weddings in the books + many other clients / friends who were kind enough to be in front of my camera.
Coldplay said it best:
“And you can say what is, or fight for it
Close your mind or take a risk
You can say it’s mine and clench your fist
Or see each sunrise as a gift
We’re gonna get it, get it together”
