A collection of this years growth from my photo archive. Remember that you are at the heart of it all.

My life has been in a constant moving state, meaning my mind has also been ‘on’ for whatever is thrown my way. It takes effort for me to quiet down without completely shutting down, because that’s also not healthy. Being a couch potato for hours at a time is not actually that good for ya. (Scientifically proven by me of course)

Very obviously, we cannot see inside the mind of others but we can see and start to self-reflect on our own thoughts. I tend to think a lot when I am walking, sitting alone in a park or at home, or simply when there is down time at work. The AMOUNT of words I have written is insane, but somehow I feel like I am still overthinking even though I’ve spilled my guts on pages and pages.

I talked a lot in my last post about how if it feels right… go out and do it. This can be applied to many things such as the gym, re-connecting with someone, doing an action that in your heart is the right thing (big or small). You should also take care of you at the heart of it all and do things for you. 

My friend shared this image with me and said that it hit home for her. It made me feel as well.

Sometimes we do things in life for others, which is truly love when done with the right mindset. Though when is the last time you did something for you? Are you working towards your goals to make yourself proud? Where is the love for you? Everything that you have done or has happened behind you has lead you to this exact moment. 

Yes, you should tell those around you you are proud of them. You should also treat yourself just as well and be proud of you. When you’re working for you, things begin to fall into place. You can share your energy and love with those around you. It becomes less about the expectations of others and turns into expectations you set for yourself. Your strength is you. 

This is not to say that you need to rely on yourself for everything. 

That is my personal struggle. I do not share my conflicts enough. Resolving them used to mean isolating myself. It’s more recently (my friends will attest) that I have been messaging or open about how I’m feeling. It’s hard – I feel sometimes that there is no right to some of my feelings when I think about others who might be feeling worse or in worse situations. 

I keep starting over and over again geographically and mentally, that I often forget to be proud of myself. The growth in a person is hard to see when you are living it daily. With this sentiment, I went through my images from 2018 up until now to show to myself and to you that we are growing each moment no matter how big or small. I encourage you to do the same and be proud of yourself during the journey!

Encourage those around you, connect with people on a personal level, and be proud of where you are. There’s growth in every step.

2018 IN ESSENCE UNTIL NOW…

– Moved to Amsterdam in February 
– Defined my photography style (People! Travel!)
– Shot with my friend Nina a Lifestyle session
– Worked with Celine Ferrenbach for her Yoga website
– Worked as a Content Creator at Lekker Bikes (videos + models!)
– Worked as a Barista at Peejays Doughnuts *no longer there :'(
– Worked with Kate Judina for her Yoga business
–  Went to the Inside Workshop in Portland, Oregon with Laurken Kendall <3 
– Second shot my first wedding with Elina Nova
– Shot my own couples session in Canada
– Began doing Fashion Photography
– Went to Chile with my new Amsterdam friend

And now? 2019 I have moved to NYC and the story continues.
Write down your own year in review and accomplishments. You’ll be surprised!

@meganarina | hello@meganarina.com