Looking back at 2013 // Pasadena Birth and Family Photographer

"What the new year brings to you will depend a great deal on what you bring to the new year." - Vern McLellan

I can't even begin to describe how full my heart is as I sit here putting together this post. This last year was such a big year for me. While I had many challenges and trials, I came out of each one stronger and more confident. And along the way, I met so many amazing people that have all won a special place in my heart. Most of which have been there for me time and time again...listening, caring, laughing (and sometimes crying) alongside me, and further helping to shape me into who I am in this moment. On new years day I was chatting with one of my best friends about how funny it is that the new year has such a strong inspirational push on people.

A new year, a new you! A clean slate to be the person you want to be.

Granted, we all know those people who hate on resolutions and tease about how long they'll actually last. And when it comes down to it, it's just another day. The turn of a page. A blank calendar. So, I get why the urge to change yourself may seem a bit out there. I mean why not just change yourself at any given moment...right? To give you an idea where I stand...I went to 3 different stores to find the right sized refill for my journal...of which I reflected on this last year in the beginning pages and wrote out some goals for the new year. Some of you may think it's silly, but I think the idea of people taking steps to better themselves is absolutely beautiful. And who are we to judge others resolutions? We should be a source of encouragement to help push them towards their goals. The quote at the beginning of this post spoke straight to my heart. You see, my main goal...resolution...for 2014 is to choose happiness. As simple and complicated as that will be. Wherever I go, in everything I do...choose happiness. So often I lose sight of the blessings my life is filled with. I find myself worrying and becoming stressed about the smallest things. And I'm tired of it. I love that this season is a time of reflection...it has allowed me to see all the things that did and didn't work in my life this last year. While my year was really quite wonderful, I know that if I had chosen happiness in the midst of frustrating or tough situations (as I should have), I would've been able to appreciate all the good that surrounded my life. And because of that I plan to do things differently moving forward.