The past few weeks have been a whirlwind, as to be expected. The holiday season always is, right? Despite the "busy" and getting ready for all the new year has to offer, I have spent some time in reflection about everything that has happened this past year. And while it's always important to look forward, and move, one foot in front of the other, one step at a time towards your goals...I know it's equally important to take stock in how far you've come.

Happy New Year | Cinnamon Wolfe Photography | North NJ Wedding Photographer

Image by Lairsey Paper Co.

There is a constant struggle to know "where you stand" in the online world. All of our newsfeeds are different but yet somehow we feel like they are all the same. Like everyone else has this whole thing figured out and they are all staring at you wondering when you are gonna finally get a clue. While I may be fangirling or admiring and deep in the throws of comparison and envy about someone else, it's easy to forget that someone else may feel (and most likely is feeling) the same about you.

So I don't write this post to brag or make it sound like I have it all figured out because 99% of the time I feel like I am pretty much failing at life. In my head I know and understand that is a symptom of our social media obsessed world, but my heart takes longer to catch up.

Instead I write this post as a reminder to myself that even though I feel like I have so far to go, I have indeed come a long way. I have fallen down, I've had some success, I've grown, I've learned, I've made mistakes. All of that results in me being in a very different place than I was a year ago. And there is beauty in that.

My 2015:

I started the year knowing we would move but had no idea where we would end up
I attended Amy & Jordan's workshop in Scottsdale and WPPI in Las Vegas
I completely revamped my blogging strategy and stuck with it
I shot 25 sessions in Ridgecrest before we moved and also 2nd shot a wedding
I traveled to Italy with Paul
I rebranded and hosted a giveaway
I joined the International Academy of Wedding Photographers and am on my way to completing my classes
I launched an email community
I moved from California to New Jersey, lived in temporary housing for a month and moved into a new house
I joined a few local photography groups on facebook and became active in my Rising Tide Chapter
I booked a wedding three months after we arrived in NJ
I participated in my first styled shoot and will hopefully be published on a local and national wedding blog
I 2nd shot two weddings since we moved, one in Brooklyn and one in NJ.
I hung out with, had lunch with, photographed and generally connected and became friends with: Laura, Jennifer, Jillian, Nancy, Leaha, Debbie, Christina, Brittani, Chelsea, Michelle, and Amanda.
I launched my blog outsourcing services
I have connected with numerous other creatives online through various facebook groups and have helped others, partnered with others and have worked hard to be a positive and encouraging light within the community
I organized and launched a massive wedding blog series called With This Ring in which I partnered with 18 other creatives to write posts about wedding related material to post on my blog.
I have secured solid connections in order to meet my 2016 2nd shooting goal.
I have a wedding booked in Seattle for next year and another wedding pending
I joined a local chapter of BNI and am excited for the opportunities that will also bring

While I do have some goals all ready to go for 2016...I'm not quite ready to dig into those yet. I'm taking this time to soak in the goodness of 2015.

When I look back at this list I can't help but smile knowing and seeing everything God has done for me this year. It's humbling to know that despite my shortcomings, He cares for me in ways I can not comprehend. My constant prayer for my business is not for fame or glory or loads and loads of cash...it's that He be glorified through whatever it is that I do. I don't know exactly how that works, but I have complete trust and faith that He does. Reflecting on this past year shows me glimpses of his plans and I love it.

Happy New Year friends! I hope that 2016 brings you love and joy!

Tell me what you are most proud of accomplishing this past year!!

I am a sucker for nostalgia as much as the next guy. My year in review posts top my personal favorites because it gives me an excuse to look back through my year...dig deep in the memory vault and quickly recall each and every one of these sessions or experiences that I was able to share with my clients.

Photos are magical in this way. Have you ever looked at a photo that you completely forgotten about and instantly remembered everything surrounding when that photo was taken? I know, me too...ALL. THE. TIME! And I love it!

It's no secret that 2015 was a big year for myself, my family and my business. We started the year on one edge of the country and ended on the other edge. I was able to meet new clients and spend time with clients again and again. I witnessed new life, new covenants and amazing new friendships...all through my lens.

I am honored and blessed to do what I do and serve my clients. Their memories deserve only the best.

Thank you for an amazing 2015 and I am so excited to see what 2016 brings!!