Greetings Photography Friends,

As we are about 95% done with 2024, it's time to reflect on the year that's passed and think about the new year ahead. Reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and development, and it's a habit I've been trying to cultivate.

At the end of each month, I try to make it a point to sit down with a piece of paper (or when I'm at long stoplights going to + from work) and think about what I've accomplished so far. I'm not just talking about financial gains, but also the good, healthy habits I've built that will benefit my future self.

As we enter 2025, I encourage you to do the same. Take some time to ponder on your achievements and the challenges you've faced this year. What worked well? What didn't go as planned? Use these insights to set new, realistic goals for the coming year - ones that can fit into your schedule without feeling overwhelmed.

Life is short, and time flies by faster than we realize. It feels like January 2024 was just a couple of months ago, yet here we are at the year's end. Make the most of your time, challenge yourself, and to step out of your comfort zones.

We only live once, so create the story you want your friends and family to remember you by. It doesn't have to be heroic, but it should be inspiring. Instead of being remembered as the person in your family or circle of friends always glued to their phone or binge-watching multiple TV series, strive to be known for your adventures and explorations.

When setting goals for the new year, write them down and display them somewhere visible to keep you motivated. However, ensure your goals are realistic and won't lead to burnout. Many people make New Year's resolutions only to abandon them after a month, falling back into old habits and making excuses about lack of time.

For 2024, as an example, I had a little bit of a health issue that I was ignoring for the past 3-4 years and decided to tackle it head on. The first month was painful because you're telling your body to do something it has never done before. It felt like a government overthrow was happening inside you. Your new way of thinking is fighting with your old way of thinking. To create a peaceful transition of power, I made small, gradual adjustments that my body could handle that wouldn't lead to burnout. Over time, these changes became easier and the body adjusted and accepted these new lifestyle changes. The me now compared with the me at the beginning of this year are two completely different people.

But it's not over yet.

Because you achieved your goal, it doesn't just end there where you can now check it off your list, forget about it and move on to something else. Make sure that the things you accomplish and the lessons learned can still accompany you for many years to come. The new lifestyle change I made this year is so engrained in me now that I can keep building upon it so it works more efficiently how I work and photograph city life.

As for 2025, I have a loose plan on what I'm trying to achieve for myself. Rather than waiting for January 1st to start I'm already treating it as if we are in 2025 right now. Get a head start and write an outline of your 2025 plan now!

Whether your goal is trying to be a better in photography, running your first 5k race, make homemade pasta from scratch, or mastering a new language etc. create a realistic plan and commit to following through.

As we almost bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025, let's embrace the opportunity for growth and new experiences. Make the most out of it and get after it. Here's to a year of meaningful achievements and personal development.

bye-bye for now

thegirlwholeftthefridgeopen

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