Thank you 2011. Don't forget.

"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers."

I still remember last year when I cried in my car after an unsuccessful meeting with a photographer. I learned to say "no" to opportunities if it meant compromising my business. I finally understood that my identity is not in my business or in being a photographer -- but in Christ. That my worthiness isn't up for grabs so I won't base my success or self-worth in my business because God's grace has already shown me that I am good enough.

Good enough. A concept that I hope to teach others for the rest of my life. To help them find their strengths, hold on to them, and realize that no one can be "you" better than yourself.

After a lot of behind the scenes in the wedding industry, I opened Imaginale's doors to the wedding industry as well. I don't have words, I simply don't when I think about how special my relationships with my clients are. After getting a call from my bride's mom, I immediately grabbed my journal (I know, real paper!) and wrote down "don't forget" followed by a description of my emotions and the words "this is why you do this." For those moments when I feel left behind, when I question where my business is going or if I'm good enough -- I look at that paper and remember why I'm doing this.

Cling to that moment when it happens to you. Write it down. Freeze it. Because we're all going to need reminders one day. Thank you 2011 for the no's, for shoving me, holding me, challenging me, frustrating me, guiding me, and growing me. Thank you most of all for leaving me behind in order to search for "different ways or truer answers."

And you, what would this blog be without you? Thank you. I hope you're with me, whether in front of my lens, reading my words, or beside me in person as we head into this new year :)