Wow. 2023 had a resounding theme of release + let go. Now, I want to share the highs of the year, obviously. But, I’m also going to be super real with you, because that’s how I roll. We don’t gate keep or sugar coat here. We’re honest, raw + real.
Is it just me or was this year like…. HELLA life changing? Like, everything that’s happened this year has shaped you into a completely different person than you were at the beginning of this year. Right?
What a Year!
New Year’s resolutions have never really been my thing. I’m a goal-getter, for sure. I love a good goal, including the planning to reach it. But spring always felt like the renewal time for me, not January 1.
For the last few years, I would choose a word or phrase I wanted to focus on for the upcoming year. In 2023 that word was GENTLE. I wanted to give myself grace, be gentle with myself + to let go of expectations. To RELEASE! Well, the universe gives you what you ask for – that’s for damn sure!
Every chance it had the universe was reminding me of my promise to myself. I had to REALLY learn to let go this past year.
I learned to Release or Let GO of:
- the desire to control others actions or emotions for an outcome that benefits myself
- choices that were not mine to make
- circumstances that do not serve me
- feelings that need to be released whether that meant talking about them or journaling
- expectations of others to cater to my needs
- physical items in my space that I no longer needed/used
- choices I thought I wanted but I changed my mind
- shame – for so many things
- perfection, ooouuff this one’s fucking big
There’s definitely more, but this is what I could think of right now. In alignment with everything I learned in 2023, that’s good enough + we’re moving on.
My First International Trip
In February I chose to attend a women’s empowerment retreat in Thailand. I knew that Thailand was my top bucket list travel destination + I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. You can read all about my experience there, if you desire.
For the sake of this recap, let’s sum up + state that Thailand + my experiences there were a turning point for me! It was the beginning of learning the lessons of release. I still need to get that tattoo!
Weddings, Portraits + more!
This year I had some of the most COLORFUL + UNAPOLOGETIC weddings! I really felt like every single couple that booked me understood why I was THEIR wedding photographer. Each wedding was incredibly different, exactly what the couples intended!
Every single client that chose to have me photograph their wedding, event, family or branding photos made such a huge impact. 2023 was a year of lower bookings than usual + as much as I know that other small business owners have been struggling too, I couldn’t help but feel like this was personal.
Maybe it was another lesson in “letting go” from the universe, I truly cannot tell you. But, each client that did choose me, made their wedding, portraits, etc sooo much more meaningful! I’m so grateful!! Release + Let Go – right?!
Side Gigs + Summer Jobs
Summers are slow AF in Phoenix + while I’m waiting for the universe to show me how I will be able to spend my summers elsewhere, I took my first job as a barista. It was so much fun to learn a new skill. I absolutely loved it! LOVED IT!
Keep Going
Keep going has been another mantra if you will. Along with remembering to Release + Let Go. The rest of the year had some of the best weddings + work successes as well as some of the hardest decisions in my personal life.
Looking Forward
For 2024 the resounding theme seems to be Growth. I struggled with finding that in November + December, but writing this now, 2 months into 2024 I think it’s fitting. Let’s see where 2024 takes us.
