2012 | You Have the Right to a Beautiful Life

Happy New Year!

I’ve been traveling so much this past month that I haven’t blogged as much… but that will change.  It’s a new year!

To say 2011 was transformative is an understatement.  Last January, I prayed to learn how to better walk in love (still learning) and took major steps to change how I lived my life.  Along the way,

• I met and made friends with some incredible people: my clients, wedding industry friends and serendipitous new friends.  People I’d only admired from behind my computer, people who had met, designed and/or photographed weddings for top celebrities.  And I discovered that they were cool, authentic, down to earth, and we’re now friends!  I would list out everyone… but I know for sure I’d miss someone.
• Photographed and listened to people’s stories that changed me, opened up my heart and transformed my soul.  Thank you to all my clients for blessing me with your stories.
• Some of my current friendships grew stronger, but I had to let go of some unhealthy friendships; that was tough.  Thank you for those friends who stuck with me through it all.  Love you!
• I learned through the Making Things Happen Intensive that fear is 99% in your head.  Taking baby steps towards a goal melts away the fear.  Example 1: this video I made with Steve Pitre, a labor of love.  I can’t wait to share the full story of how it came together.
• I hunkered down and got really serious about my 2012 goals thanks to Inspire Smart Success Mexico.
• Even when I had no idea how I would make it happen, whenever an opportunity came up that aligned with where God wanted me to be or grow, I said, “YES.”  That’s really big for me; I tend to take time analyzing things before making a decision (the engineer in me).  This year, I just leapt and said, “yes” 80% of the time.  And yes, I do regret the 20% when I didn’t say yes; lesson learned for 2012.
• Most of all, I woke up from my fears and realized that my life is TOO short to play and act small.  I need to dream bigger and risk much more in 2012.

I’ll admit my 2012 dreams scare me… but I’ve been told that’s a really good thing.  So I’ll take it one step at a time.  Progress, not perfection.  For every big goal I have, I’ll say to myself, “why not?!?”

“you’ve got every right to a beautiful life.”   – from Selena Gomez “Who Says”

Wishing you BIG, bold beautiful dreams come true in 2012.

Below is a Chesapeake Bay photo taken by my best friend’s brother, 1st time using my Mark II.  Good shot Franklin!