I spent the last day of 2013 reminiscing about all the experiences, hellos & goodbyes, new seasons and new chapters that it brought. Change is the best word I could use to describe 2013. A lot changed in my life; mostly good, but some bad. I went on a lot of trips, met a lot of people and photographed a lot of things.
(& I'm taking even more in 2014!)
In January, I was accepted into Moody Bible Institute for the fall semester of 2013. This was probably the best moment of 2013, other than actually going, obviously. This year held my last semester of photography school (finishing in May) and my first semester at bible school (beginning in August.) My photography changed a lot. I ventured into maternity and newborn photography. I was so blessed with such amazing clients that are life-lovers. I began the process of rebranding. I broke/fractured my ankle the day before my biggest wedding of the season...thus, my clients are amazing and my assistants are life-saving. I visited Wisconsin, Indiana, Georgia, North Carolina and probably a few more places. I moved to Chicago in August to go to school at Moody. I met some of the most amazing people, experienced so many once in a lifetime things [riding in a horse-drawn carriage the week before Christmas & many more], and drank some really good coffee. I learned to love, seriously adore, public transportation, do my late night thinking on a rooftop overlooking the most beautiful city, try to find a new church and realize that my home church is really the greatest blessing and deal/love the commute. I took advantage of living a few blocks away from Lake Michigan. I lost my grandfather and last grandparent in September and saw the grace and comfort of God flood my heart. I started my first high school senior campaign. I struggled to balance friends at home, school work and being a photographer. I changed & grew.
The first six months of the year were the most freeing and comforting parts of the year with complete focus on creativity and grace. The last six months were full of change and challenge. I have never been more challenged in my life spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally.
[Thank YOU for the most amazing year yet. You are the most amazing friends, family & clients a girl could ask for.]
I am amazed and so blessed by 2013. I am really looking forward to 2014 and all that it will bring. In 2012 I did a 52 week photo project which was the most inspiring and challenging thing I've ever done creatively. This year, 2014, I am doing a 365 project via Instagram. I've always wanted to do this and I am SO excited to do it via Instagram, sharing honest photos of my daily life to remember for years to come. I'll still be posting on my
normal Instagram but my 365 will be held
@alisonblunk365.
I have a few resolutions or goals for this year and I should probably write them here so you can all hold me accountable :)
1. By His grace, lead someone to Christ.
2. 365
3. Keep my phone not by my bed when I go to sleep so I won't spend insane amounts of time checking social media before sleep.
4. Replace that silly time going back to daily journaling and added amounts of time with the Lord.
5. Become an early riser. I'm normally a pretty early riser but I'd like to be one of
those people.
6. Stop hitting the snooze button!
7. Be mindful of what I'm putting in my body. I've been using
this app and it's been amazing!
8. Work out regularly. This doesn't mean everyday...cause Lord knows I won't hold that one up. But enjoying city walks and going to the gym cause it makes me feel good!
9. Be mindful of what fruits of the Spirit are not at work in my daily life.
Do you have any resolutions or goals for 2014? What are they? How was 2013 for you?
Happy, happy new year!
Love,
Alison
