I know everyone says this all the time, but at the end of 2016, I truly felt like that year had flown by. Seemingly faster than other years. I remember looking at the December calendar and feeling like I had just written down my 2016 goals not that long ago. How was it already the end of the year??
In preparation for this post, I looked back at my 2 year anniversary blog post from over the summer and reread the goals that I have made more my third year of blogging and I had already fallen short. At the end of the summer, I was extremely sick for a few weeks and the doctors couldn’t figure out what was wrong with me. I had a fever for 4 straight days, I couldn’t sleep, I was so weak that I couldn’t do a lot of the things that I normally would do. It was very scary and when the doctor decided to test me for mono, I was so upset because I could not image feeling that way for another 2-3 months. It took me a little while to work back my strength but even things like grocery shopping and walking up the stairs to my apartment were draining. During this time, I had to say no to a lot of things which was very hard for me. Because of that, I missed several weekly posts, was behind on a few sessions, and I wasn’t able to do pull off my Fall and Holiday series.
I attribute this sickness to burn out. I was taking on too many projects, not taking care of myself, pushing myself too hard, and saying yes to everything to try to make others happy. What I found was that I wasn’t happy. I tried to be, but I wasn’t. I was discouraged, and felt so alone. I denied myself time to do the things that really mattered to me or the things that brought me joy. I was constantly thinking about work and the hustle, that I lost track of why I love doing what I do. I felt guilty if I wanted to take a little time to read or hang out with friends. And I realized that I didn’t like that.
So this year, I have decided to be more intentional with my life. I have one life and I want to live it well! (any Switchfoot fans?) I want to make the things that matter, like spending quality time with my family, fueling my passions, building community and growing my business, happen. Aside from the personal goals that consist of enrolling in a dance or pilates class, reading 10 books this year, organizing my closet, and planning at least 1 inspiring outing a month, I thought it would be fun to share my goals for Sarah Schweyer Photography with you. So here they are:
SSP 2017 Goals:
Book 10 Weddings
Create a welcome gift for my SSP brides
Blog 2-3 times per month
Host the first annual SSP Christmas Party for my couples
Attend a photography or business workshop/conference (United?)
Start going to the Sacramento Tuesdays Together group
Don’t book any sessions past December 3rd
Here are some of my favorite photos and memories from 2016! I was so blessed to be able to work with so many wonderful couples, families, and bloggers and was able to travel more for work and fun! Some of the highlights of this year were; Eli and I were able to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of our first date at Disneyland, we served at both of our church’s conferences, I had not 1 but 2 features on 2 different wedding blogs, seeing the Annie Leibovitz exhibit in San Francisco, we shot a wedding in Fort Bragg, and my sister and her boyfriend came home for Thanksgiving.
All in all, it was a pretty great year! Thank you to all my clients and readers for all the love and support last year! It’s wonderful people like you that make what I do so worthwhile! Here’s to 2017! May it be filled with every happiness and blessing! May all your dreams come true! What was one of your New Year’s Resolutions?
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I enjoyed every single moment of this post! And I must say that I am super proud of you! You are an example of purity and joy and caring for others but in that you can fall short and taking care of yourself and I think this is going to be a good year for you. I’m so glad to call your friend I’m so thankful for you and I’m so thankful that you choose to spend some of your time with me! Beautiful post I love every single one of these photos!!! Much love to you my friend