Anne Miller: A Look Back at 2014 | An Honest Reflection

For some time now, I have been reflecting on a year I am so very blessed and grateful for. When I think back to December of 2013 I remember the feeling of wanting to unleash my deep passion for photography and finally listen to my heart and do something every, single, day to reach my personal goals. At the time, I did not know HOW this was going to happen but I just knew it HAD to happen. I knew I had to stop making excuses for a life I wanted to live and the joy I wanted to feel. I knew I had to put all my trust in my faith that I was doing the right thing.

So at the end of last year (2013) I wrapped up a maternity shoot, shot a baby shower, shot a bridal shower, did my first family portrait session and shot two newborn sessions. I shot at every family gathering and drove my family nuts. I was consumed in reading photographer’s blogs, studying their work, learning and was addicted to growing my passion.

Heading into 2014 I made the most important and impactful decision for my business. A decision I am beyond grateful for because it forced me to go outside of my comfort zone and put myself out there. To make myself official and make myself accountable to dig deep and follow my heart. I attended the Beginnings Workshop{http://annemariect.blogspot.com/2014_03_09_archive.html} with Ashley and Chris of Ashley Therese Photography {http://ashleytheresephotography.com}. Life-changing workshop! It was an amazing day, I met the most incredible photographers who have become my friends, my cheerleaders and people who have been so willing to help and encourage me throughout this year. I will never forget that day and the unbelievable experience. I remember wrapping up our full-day workshop on that freezing, icy, February day, getting into my car to drive an hour home and instantly balling my eyes out. And I don’t mean just a few joyful tears, oh no, I mean waterworks, hysterical, hyperventilating tears. I called Justin before I left the parking lot to tell him I was on my way and his obvious question to me was “how was it?”. My response, as I could barely get a word out “babe, I can’t do this. I don’t have it in me. I’m not good enough”. After he calmed me down, I started my trip home. When I got home, I walked through the door and Justin greeted me with open arms and I fell into his arms and cried my eyes out for the next several minutes. When I finally caught my breath and was able to speak, all I could say was “I want this so bad, it hurts” followed by “I don’t have it in me to make this happen”.

After several sleepless nights, tossing and turning, I slowly started to crawl out from under my fear-paralyzed hole and began to do something, every. single. day. Sadly, exactly a week after the workshop, I got a phone call from my Aunt telling me that my Grandmother passed away unexpectedly. I only share this because ever since her passing, my Grandmother has pushed me in ways that have been so inspirational to me this year. We talk often and she continues to show me signs when I need them the most.

So this time last year, I told myself that 2014 was going to be a year of incredible change. That 2014 was going to be a year I finally followed my heart and my gut. And yes, scared doesn't even come close to describing how I felt. Well, here I sit writing my last blog post of 2014, reflecting on a year that the person I was a year ago would have never thought would have been possible. I sit here in complete awe and can’t stop asking myself “did all of that really just happen?”. I sit here pouring my heart out because it’s no secret that’s what I do. I told myself in the beginning of 2014 to do two things:

…to lead with my heart

…to do something every single day to learn and grow

Oh and to breathe…a lot!

I’m beyond grateful for the incredible families and couples who have invited me into their lives and into their hearts to capture their most precious memories to treasure for generations to come. I cherish our time together and the relationships we have built. I’m also grateful for my mentors, my teachers, Ashley & Chris who challenge me, keep me focused and hold me accountable.

I am proof that you are in charge of your own destiny and only you can make it happen. I enter 2015 with clear objectives and excitement for a year of new opportunities, incredible families and beautiful couples. I’m working towards some really exciting things in the year ahead and I am so grateful for all of the support along the way. I have only just scratched the surface of building my business and have a lot ahead of me, but what’s different about this year than last is that all those feelings excite me and push me to work harder, to do more and continue to grow in my craft. I would be lying if I said I wasn't fearful or scared but the difference this year is that those feelings are pushing me and fueling my fire within instead of paralyzing me. More than ever before, I am determined and trust that those feelings are powerful and a little fear is healthy when the reward is so sweet.

And of course, no reflection would be complete without a few of my favorite images from this past year. The fun of looking back is seeing how much I've grown this year and choosing my favorites from the beginning of the year to the most recent from the past couple of months. All of these images represent amazing memories and a beautiful year that I hold so dear to my heart. But what you can’t see is a photographer who smiled every step of the way, shed a ton of happy tears and grew in ways she never, ever, expected. A photographer who pushed herself, stepped WAY outside her comfort zone and challenged herself to follow her heart. Yes my friends, I’m here and ready for 2015!

Happy New Years friends. Let's make it a great year together!
xoxo

anne