Not the typical year in review post

Johnson City TN Portrait Photographer

I had every intention on doing a year in review post for 2016, and I will do one, but I think I will do them over time each week. I’ve taken a lot of photos this year and to just combine them all in one post would be overwhelming.

So today I’ve decided to talk about 2016 and what that looked like for Michelle Lea Photographie. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about myself and a whole lot more about running a business.

Now that I’ve had some time to process and reflect on the year I can tell you this, I’m thankful. Thankful, for every opportunity that I’ve recieved, that each of you have given me to be in such a vulnerable beautiful place in your life. That you would let me in on the most influential milstones, I am forever grateful.

I moved most of my work to film this year, and I can tell you how amazed I am at what we have created together. It’s silly to think that I’ve cried over some of your photos, but I would be lying if I said I didn’t. To be in the moment with you and remembering what the scene looked like, and getting the gratification when your film comes back is everything to me and my heart.

One major accomplishment was leaving my dental career of 10 years to become a wedding photographer. Something I never thought would be possible, but it is. I’ve traveled to more cities this year than I have in my whole life to learn and grow from some of the best in the industry. I never thought any of that would be a possiblity for me, this small town girl that is just your average any day person.

One thing that holds us all back from whatever it is that we are trying to achieve, is fear. Oh my, how we let fear get to us. It’s scary making decisions based off of what if’s, because it’s kind of gambling really, and to be honest, I’m not lucky.

Growing in faith has helped me let go of the fear. I think running a business goes hand in hand with faith. Fear deters anything that is good, so I choose to have faith over fear. Matthew 6:31-32

Theres a few things I’ve learned the hard way moving into 2017. Dolly Parton said it best when she said “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life”. Goodness how this resonates with me! I remember a few times this year I had something everyday, and what a blessing those things were, but I over worked myself and I forgot about me, my family, and my friends.

I think anyone that owns a business reading this understands where I’m coming from. Running a business is hard, but it’s one of the most fulfilling things to serve a purpose you were meant to serve. In 2017 I just want to balance that purpose. Everyone deserves a day off, I keep reminding myself of that. So I will cling to Dolly Partons quote, I think we all could agree, no matter where you are in your business or career, sometimes we do get to busy making a living that we forget to make a life.

These sweet boys in these photographs are my life! I have to balance my life for them, especially Brooks. This is his last year at home with me and I want him to remember our time together. So, one of my main goals is to balance my life and work schedule. I need to remember things will be there and I will finish things on time without stressing about them.

I can’t believe we are in 2017 now! I am so thankful for each of you that take time out of your day to read this little blog of mine. You have no idea how humbling that is. To each Bride and Groom that have entrusted me to photograph your day, I am so thankful for each of you. I learn something new about myself at every wedding and you are helping fulfill a purpose that God has blessed me with.

When I say that I love each of you, I seriously mean that from the bottom of my heart. Here’s to saying goodbye to an amazing 2016 and to the millions of AMAZING possibilites in 2017! I can’t wait to see what we create together.

With love,

Michelle

P.S. Thank you Karen Ann Photography for visiting us and capturing these memories 🙂 I love you forever sweet lady 😉

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