December Challenge Day 31

Day 31- The End of a Year. 

And what a year it has been. It has flown by way to fast. I was thinking of writing a "look back on 2011" type post and as I started to think about the past year my head began to spin. As I began to sift through photos it started to spin even more. SO much has happened this year I cannot even begin to sort through it and show it all here in one post. And also I take a LOT of photos. ;) So I have decided to just pick a few favorite events to highlight. 

And as I sit and reflect on the past year I am overwhelmed with happiness and my heart feels so full. 

Major things have happened this year. I have gained so much… 

-courage

- awesome new friends

-support

- confidence

- belief in myself 

- knowing without a doubt what I want and need to be doing in life

-the ability to not take things quite as personally 

-a feeling of pride in myself

-the ability to be more positive

and the list could go on...

I am now swimming with the current. 

hmmm I think I will post a photo that displays each of the things I have gained listed above. Just coming up with this as I go! :) 

Leaving retail to pursue my realized dream of a career in photography. 

Courage.

I met this lovely little JAM at the job I took after leaving retail. She is such a little positive, creative ball of energy that I am so glad to have in my life. 

New Friends.

It's a great thing to feel. If you actively support me you know who you are.

Support.

Meaghan is one of my dearest friends, greatest supporters and most positive people in my life. She has been a huge part of my year and been a part of quite a few of my favorite moments. Just wanted to give her a special shoutout. :) 

It's hard to find a photo that portrays confidence. It's a confidence in myself and my abilities. Everything I say, do, represent.

Confidence. 

A friend once told me that I can do whatever I put my mind to. I think that's huge and now I believe it. 

Belief in myself. 

I have been growing and learning everyday since starting this journey and it has only just begun.

Knowing without a doubt what I want and need to be doing in life.

You know when the ones you love the most can hurt you the most? Or a stranger or someone you barely know doesn't like your work or you? It happens. I'm learning to just move on...

The ability to not take things quite as personally.

When I first saw this picture I was totally convinced that little girl was judging me. And I actually cared for a moment. How dumb. That was one of the best days of the summer and created one of the funniest photo sequences ever. 

Everything I have accomplished and gained this year has given me the ability to be proud of myself. 

A feeling of pride in myself.

I truly believe the universe gives you back what you give it. When I started to look at things more positively, positive things started happening left and right. 


The ability to be more positive.

I think it goes without saying that all of these things intertwine together. I wouldn't be where I am now if I didn't gain courage and confidence. Posting things like this makes me extremely vulnerable. A feeling which I've learned to overcome this year. When you put yourself and your work out there you have to. I know some people were born with these things. I don't envy them anymore. What a journey it has been to gain them! 

At times, this year, I was so busy that I lost touch with reality or got lost in my computer. I was ALWAYS doing ten different things and I've been obsessed with working I'll admit. Between working (stupid hours might I add) , taking pictures, editing, making or selling my picture frames, craft shows, blogging, Arbonne, spending time with friends and family and boyfriend, refurbishing furniture, estate saling, drinking wine, AAAAAAAAAAH!!!! there was never enough time in the day let me tell you. 

I am so excited for the coming year. I'm not planning on slowing down and I know things are only beginning and about to get crazier. I'm ready for it. 

A few things I want to learn in the new year…

- balance

-business

-budgeting

Happy New Year friends!!!
Here's to a great 2011 and an even better 2012.

<3 JP