Looking To 2024: 5 Lessons I've Learned
It was a quiet Christmas with family. Christmas is usually I time when I let my camera rest and put it aside, apart from a few festive activities. Since I’m rarely home, I really just try to be present in the moment with my family and our traditions. Honestly, I couldn’t tell you what I did over the two week break and it’s probably what I needed. A true break and spending quality time with family, reconnecting to my inner little girl who believed in the magic at Christmas. I've never been a New Year's Eve person, but now that I'm back on the island, tidying up and making way for the new, this year feels different. 2023 was a trying one. One that pushed me to grow and expand to new horizons. One that has been full of the most rewarding adventures and terrors. There were so many unknowns and unanswered questions for me this year, and rather than shying away from them, I've learned to lean in and embrace them with an open heart and mind. When we have faith and lean in to see a glimpse of what is to come through our window, whatever that looks like for us, the next step reveals itself. And trusting ourselves that we will know it when we see it.
These are five takeaways from 2023 I wanted to share with you. Wherever you are on your creative journey, know that you’re never alone, and we all go through “stuff”. It’s not just about the pretty photos we curate for our feed. Life happens, and it constantly challenges us to grow and evolve.
Lean into the unknown
Often we find ourselves at a crossroads, not sure where to turn or what path to take. This year especially has been full of unknowns in both my business and personal life. But what I’ve realized is that by leaning into the unknown or our fear, it actually brings it to light. The light gets just a little bit brighter if we take just one step with courage and faith. There is an unwavering faith that if you just take one little step, the branch or step will appear. Shying away or pushing our fears and worries under the rug only accentuates them, and they grow bigger, bolder, and take up more bandwidth in our hearts and minds. Instead, lean into that feeling and trust that what is meant to be will be. Lean it to what your heart is whispering to you in the quiet moments. Trust that if you just feel into it the path will be made clear.
Forgive yourself
It’s easier said than done, but it’s necessary if you want to turn the next page. For years, 2023 in particular, I was so hard on myself by past mistakes. From abusive relationships to settling for less in my work, I felt a deep shame that I should have known better or done something different. The fact is all of these things we wish we could do over were part of our journey as a creative, a photographer, a soul. We can’t move forward if we don’t forgive ourselves, no matter how beautiful the vision we intend to manifest. Give yourself grace, for you are a divine soul trying to make its way in this world with what it knows and capable of in the moment. Let your old skin shed, and rise to meet the new version of you that is fully accepting of all you are, mistakes, failures, mistakes, and all.
Consistency begets progress
There is a lot to be said about showing up again and again, even when you can’t see any immediate results. Little actions compound over time and become the foundation for progress. There were times I feel like I was talking to crickets in my emails, yet week after week I sat down for an hour and wrote. In the beginning it felt silly and futile, but after time I developed a newfound confidence and it became easier as time went along. If you feel like you are wavering on something, just stick with it and see what happens. Often the magic is found in the process and progress is inevitable, even if it’s small. Remember where you started and how far you’ve come. Consistency always out runs “flash in the pan” actions.
It’s not about the gear
I’ve had bouts of insecurity of my camera gear. Not having the latest and greatest or every lens under the sun. It made me feel like I wasn’t “professional” or just a hobbiest. But in truth, its what we do with what we have is what counts. And most importantly our photographic eye. How we see and even feel is what makes us a good photographer. Being sensitive is such an underrated quality when it comes to photography. Anyone can click the shutter button of the “best camera” on the market, but can they really see and tell a tale? Something that strikes the heart or capture the essence of a place, person, or moment in time? Having the best gear doesn’t make you a photographer, but rather your ability to see and tell a tale.
The power of now
Eckhart Tolle teachings of embracing the power of the now transformed the way I approached the difficult moments of this year. In short, he stresses all of our power lies in the “now,” the present moment. It’s all that matters and its all that we have available to us. It’s ripe with potential and possibility. Worring about the past or regretting the past is useless when it comes to creating a future we imagine. The “Now” is where the essence of the divine lies, everything that is and ever will be is born from the “now.” I remind myself to stay grounded and that my true power and control is in the present moment. It’s all we have to attract and allow what is meant to be to flow to us, be it a new client or project.
As you welcome 2024, I hope you carry these sentiments in your heart. Here’s to an abundant and peaceful new year!
Alanna
x