So this is it
2014 is about to switch it's OPEN sign to CLOSED and then the new year will be upon us.
I've only just sat down to reflect on the year that was and I think that is a testament for what kind of year I've had.
2014 was busy. I feel like I was always doing something or going somewhere. I got my license, I travelled overseas, I went vegetarian for a month, I made so many new friends and connections, I shot my first wedding, engagement and fashion shoot, I fell deeper in love, I found independence, I found passion and I found life.
2014 is going to be a hard one to beat. I felt so much and I achieved things I didn't think I could and for the first time, in a long time, I felt fulfilled. Fulfilment is an interesting concept. I think many people assume happiness is a cause of fulfilment but I think it is more a symptom than a cause. I've been sad this year, really sad. I've been depressed and anxious and battled many demons. I've opened up on this blogosphere and I've shared my thoughts and fears. I've shared my love and my happiness, I've expressed silent thoughts from my mind and I've made myself vulnerable, but through it all I've felt this strange feeling of satisfaction, something I'm not used to feeling. Even greater is I've had you to share it all with. You have all made this journey so grand. I never thought I would connect with you in the way I have and it makes my heart happy to know I have friends, real friends, all over the world. So for that, I thank you.
But what does 2015 have in store for me? It's a little fuzzy to be honest. For the first time I have no solid plan or structure. I'm going in blind but strangely that excites me. I want to do things differently next year. I don't want specific resolutions to lose 5 kilos, or quit my job, or travel to Asia or find another best friend. I want something bigger than that. A lot of 2014 was spent in fear, and while I achieved many great things this year, I also stopped myself from so much based on the fear that was wrapped around my body.
So for next year and all the new years to follow my resolution is this:
To live more and to fear less
It sounds pretty corny, I know. Perhaps this would work better on a Pinterest pin or an Instagram caption but it's these kind of vague resolutions I know I can achieve. It means that I can put on 10 kilos if I wanted to, or stay in the country or keep my job or be boring and average and not feel guilty. It means I don't have to put pressure on myself to be someone I'm not or to push myself to achieve more than I am physically capable of. It just means I can live how I want to live and I can give myself permission to do so, and frankly I think that is enough.
Oh 2015, I'm ready for you. Let's hold hands and get through this together.
Are you with me?
I think that's the best resolution yet - enjoy life :) All those food photos are making me crave deliciously cute and pretty things to eat! Congrats on achieving everything you did - huge steps to be super proud of!! *cheers to 2015*
ReplyDeleteWow, if these pictures are anything to go by it looks like you had an amazing year! In the new year I'm definitely aiming to live more and worry less, too. Wishing you all the best in 2015, Sam :)
ReplyDelete"I think many people assume happiness is a cause of fulfilment but I think it is more a symptom than a cause." Such an awesome statement.
ReplyDeleteThese are stunning shots! Your life seems so exciting x
ReplyDeleteIt is but it isn't. I think everyone's life can be exciting if they make it so. Truth is my life can be quite average a lot of the time. I might write a post on that soon. I don't want to give off this impression that my life is perfect
DeleteHappy New Year Sam, it's been a whirlwind but it's all worth it, yes? I wish you love, and more love in this new year. x
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had a roller coaster year, and they're the best kind! I don't know why but all those photos made me weirdly emotional and they weren't even mine? Like look at all these wonderful memories 2014 gave you! I can't wait to see what you achieve next year, your blog is honestly one of my favourites and I'm excited to read even more posts from you next year!
ReplyDeletex Erin
The Halfway Point
Oh thank you sweet angel! x
DeleteWhat a stunning set of photos Samantha!! And of course I'm with you :) Fear often stop us from achieving SO much! I hope you have a lovely 2015! :) Love,Jo.
ReplyDeleteIjoanaemma.blogspot.pt
these photographs, oh my heart. these are stunning in every way!
ReplyDeletejust beautiful.
Really beautiful photo it was so lovely to look through these photographs. And I really appreciate your honest words. Life is full of stresses and sadness and I too have battled quite some demons this year but without the sadness the happiness would never be as fulfilling. Wishing you all the best for 2015 and cannot wait to follow what is in store for you on your blog.
ReplyDeleterae of love from berlin
I'm totally with you!
ReplyDeleteYour photos talk lots about your year and I can see you had many lovely moments!
to live more and to fear less. YES. i fell the same way. 2015 is gonna have to be super awesome to top 14. oh, sam, you images never ever never fail to inspire and amaze me. keep being you, you wonderful gal. and happy new year :) wishing you and yours all the best
ReplyDeleteCould your photography be any more perfect? Nonono. And that resolution doesn't sound corny at all. It sounds real, and I can definitely relate. Here's to 2015!
ReplyDeleteso many amazing moments captured! happy new year! my 2015 is fuzzy too but i'm learning to love it that way.
ReplyDeleteYou've had a wonderful year Sam!
ReplyDeleteI love your New Year resolution.
ReplyDeleteI try and live by that resolution every year.
Happy new year, Samantha! Your words about fearing less and living more...I needed that today. I'm reading your what you said about how you accomplished a lot this past year but yet there were things that you would have done if you hadn't been afraid and I'm thinking "wow..I so, so, *so* get that." So much. Hears to being fearless. Your words were what my soul needed this morning.
ReplyDeleteLet's be fearless together yes?
DeleteSuch a beeautiful bunch of photos! Loving your style. Happy New Year and have the most wonderful year!
ReplyDeleteKatrina Sophia
Beautiful shots... Happy new year
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of camera/ lens do you use?
Thank you lovely!
DeleteI used a Canon 5d Mark III and a 35mm f/1.4 lens for most of the images in that post.
Hope you're well and enjoying the new year xx
I am with you! No idea where I'm going but I'm excited for it! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful year you've had, I'm feel so privileged to have met you this past year, I was most excited to see myself in a photo :D
Lots of love and best wishes for 2015 x
Sam, sweet friend. I loved this!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I've been quite the ghost lately on the blogosphere and the first person I thought of when I realized how long it's been was you. Thank you for your honesty and encouragement this year. You are a gem and I hope 2015 is filled with more blessings for you then you could ever imagine.
Jessi! I've missed you. I'm sorry I've been a stranger too. Thank you for your friendship and love over the past year. It's truly been a blessing to me x
DeleteI'm in love with each and every one of these photos! They are so raw and alive. Cheers to 2015! xx
ReplyDeleteWow, such amazing photographs. It looks like you've had an awesome year! So glad I've found your blog, following you for sure. xx
ReplyDeleteEärendil