2015 is rapidly coming to a close.
i can’t believe it – i feel like i blinked the year away.
and what all will 2016 hold?
new experiences, new adventures, new joys and pains, new friendships and new moments. i’m also looking forward to the old – the known – the worn meshing with the new…seeing it blend together to make something beautiful and unique.
i think that is what i look forward to the most with new a year on the horizon.
the old blending with the new.
moments for change – every day full of them.
moments for growth and love and hope and challenges.
a year is full of moments – how will you choose yours?
i felt like it was time for a review of 2015 – just like i did last year.
milestones…
this year has been insane – in a good way.
lots of ups and downs, days of joy and sorrow. i wouldn’t trade any of them.
the older i get the more i realize how the choices we make in life continue to define us.
2015 brought me: perspective, a new friendship, stress, amazing adventures, chances to step out of my comfort zone, failure, moments of pursuit, laughter – lots of laughter, and some tears.
i’m looking forward to 2016 – it’s like i’m holding a new book in my hands and am unable to read the ending.
// i still struggle with fear. it’s a real thing in my life some moments, and i remind myself that i still have a choice – i can choose to hold on to it, or give it over to the one who casts out fear.
// i ripped my heart open and shared some honesty on some realizations that i’ve been wrestling through – on how we often think we should be saved without a fight.
// singleness hit me a little hard this year. off and on i had moments where it really sucked – and moments when it was a relief.
// and then i had a date – like whhaatttt.
// my lovely grandmother went home to be with the Lord.
// i figured it was time to make my 30 before 30 list – i mean…it’s only 3 years away! yay for turning twenty-seven!
// i had a moment where my life just paused. i had to really stop and evaluate where i am in life and what could be happening or not happening. it was a terrifying few weeks.
// can we just embrace being different?!
// i found solace on the top of a mountain in a different country surrounded by only my God, my brother & nature – – – God also reminded me what it looks like when we build walls.
// and then my heart was punched.
travel…
…ahhhhh wanderlust.
i definitely got some memories added in my travel bank this year. my brother and i went on our sibling trip for a solid 10 days. it was FANTASTIC. these memories will be forever etched in my mind…hiking in the rain and cold in ireland, chasing sheep, driving on the wrong side of the road (and car!) twisting down mountains, watching my brother soak in a new place – full of wonder. i’ve fallen in love with traveling (which if you knew me 5 years ago you wouldn’t have ever thought it was possible with my anxiety!) – and i am so thankful for the ability to go, go, GO!!!
// i was able to hang out with meg + megan earlier this year. it was a fun-filled weekend and i miss them both like crazy!
// oh killarney | ireland – you’re so beautiful.
// i will almost always choose to stay at a B&B because of this place.
// lando & i just drove around the country-side of ireland and got lost and stumbled into this beautiful place.
// this was the best hiking experience of my entire life.
// stone circles make me all heart-eyed emoji!
// my brother & i got lost in a magical forest.
// and then we turned a corner and our breath was just taken away!
// Edinburgh is still a favorite of mine – and i finally climbed the scott monument!
// we visited north berwick and visited castles and climbed the law!
blog…
this has been an interesting year for Taking Steps Home.
i’ve seen a lot of good come to this little ol’ blog – i’ve seen some numbers grow, i’ve been able to partner with some amazing companies i believe in, and have even met new blog friends (yay!). i’ve also seen some drop off; and i get that happens – but i can’t help but take it personally sometimes. it makes me question if i’m not writing good content or people don’t like me which is completely petty because this blog is simply for me and shouldn’t be about others. that being said – i’m trying to write some more transparent posts (since i’ve gotten many i miss those from readers).
// blog expectations are so dang hard. we compare ourselves like no other – it’s something i’ve battled with off and on since starting taking steps home…and so – once again – i was keeping it real.
// i shared some advice and thoughts on promotion.
// i shared my first ever makeup tutorial – then another (eep!)
// we all have challenges in being a creative.
fitness…
this year was really challenging for me on my weight loss journey.
i finally hit my goal weight though!
it is so interesting to be at this goal…when i started 70lbs heavier i picked a number that was in the higher end of the “healthy” side of my BMI chart. i had no idea what i would feel like, look like, be able to do at this goal weight of 145 – because i haven’t been this weight in my adult life EVER. so now that i’m here, and have maintained it for months i’ve come to the decision to push for another 10lbs. for a mixture of health, some vanity (keeping it real), and to keep pushing my body.
// i was feeling down in my journey – so i took some snapshots in some old clothing to see some progress.
// woohoo i love this TRX workout!
// i talked about my first barre class experience.
// are you looking for a full-body workout? look no further, seriously.
// i got my hands on some kick-butt sports bras that i’m still in love with.
// sometimes you just need to see a side-by-side.
photography…
this was a busy, busy year for a love photography.
i honestly haven’t even posted half of the sessions from this year (so hey, you’ll just get to see more next year!) because i’ve been trying to space things out. so keep your eyes peeled over the next few months.
// i fell in love with the cotton crown.
// it was an overcast day but it made for some beautiful engagement pictures.
// i finally saved up and invested in some new gear.
// this gorgeous magic hour maternity session on a dock = swoon.
// and this family session on the beach, hellooooo morning light!
// this big sister announcement for the win!
// dancing anniversary photos, yes please!
2016 goals…
// continue to grow into the woman God has created me to be. by seeking out His direction and being poured into and pouring into others.
// love more deeply – feel things – and don’t shut down.
// keep pushing my body to be the best it can be – and do it with a healthy mindset and heart.
// be a wanderer, an adventurer, take chances, laugh often, smile more, have deep conversations.
how was your 2015?!
what are you looking forward to in 2016??
