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Reflections on the Last Year

Jan 11

What do you think of 2016 so far? Do you have big plans and big dreams for this year? I sure do, and while I am so excited to dive into the details of what I have planned for this new year, first I want to reflect on 2015.

This last year was a momentous one for me with both personal and professional milestones. While it boasted some of my most joyful moments, it also held some of my most difficult. Here are my reflections on 2015, both the highs and the lows.

The Highlights

Moriah Riona's wedding by Agnieszka Wormus of A Brilliant Photo | www.abrilliantphoto.comOur Wedding

At the top of my list of 2015 Highlights is my own wedding. I spent most of the year planning and design our wedding and when the day finally came, on October 3, it was absolutely perfect. We were surrounded by our closest friends and family and enjoyed a fabulous party to celebrate the beginning of our lives together. It also gave me the opportunity to create my own wedding branding and design all of the stationery and printed pieces. While it was quite an undertaking, I was thrilled with how everything turned out.

Branding for Creative Entrepreneurs by Moriah Riona | www.moriahriona.comRebrand

Speaking of branding, another major highlight of last year was Project Rebrand, when I created a new logo and identity collection for my brand. For the first time in seven years, since starting my own business, I went through the actual process of branding my company. The process itself was a struggle, since I turned out to be quite a difficult client. It took many more months than I anticipated but in the end I created branding that I am truly proud of, and branding that truly represents my brand.

Wedding Photography by Moriah Riona | www.moriahriona.comPhotography

Another highlight in my business last year were the beautiful weddings and personal projects I was able to photograph. I am so grateful for my fabulous clients and the incredible photo shoots I was able to work on.

German Shephard Puppy | Brandy Mae | by Moriah Riona
Brandy Mae

This little (now very big) pup was such a bright spot in my life last year, and she continues to be. She is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever known and I’m so glad she’s ours. She is also the best office buddy and great company for the long days I spend working from home.

Gallery Wall

Our First Home

Last year we bought our first home and we absolutely love it! Having moved so many times in our relationship, it is comforting to finally have a place of our own. We are slowly getting settled in and have even started talking about plans for renovations! I’m so happy in our new place.

Showit United Conference for PhotographersNew Friends

Between moving and attending Showit United I met so many amazingly sweet, creative and creative people last year and am grateful the wonderful friendships I made.

The Lows

While I feel very blessed for all of the wonderful people and things that came into my life and the many transformative experiences I had, 2015 was a difficult year in many ways. Between moving to different states twice in eight months and also becoming a full-time solopreneur my life became very solitary. I dealt with isolation and loneliness, which led to bouts with depression and anxiety.

I also started 2015 with lofty goals for the growth of my business and when those didn’t come to fruition on my own timeline I felt like I had failed. It took a while but I realized, like many entrepreneurs, I was equating my self worth with my business success. And that’s just not fair – to me or my business.

By the end of the year I was feeling taxed and burned out. As you probably know, I took an extended break for the holiday. It was wonderful to focus entirely on rest for once, instead of work. I was able to reflect on the year behind me and get reenergized for the year ahead. I realized that I need to be kinder to myself and make more time for rest, so I can run a successful business.

I read a something today that really stood out to me while reflecting on this last year:

“It isn’t life’s events, but how one reacts to them and the attitude that one has about them, that determines whether such events have a positive or negative effect on one’s life, whether they’re experienced as opportunity or as stress.”

– David R. Hawkins, M.D., Ph. D, Power vs. Force

With both the highs and the lows, I am grateful for all that 2015 brought my way. I have spent the first days of 2016 pondering The Why behind my brand. It is the reason that I keep showing up even when things don’t go as planned – and I am very excited to share it with you soon.

What are you most grateful for from 2015 and what are you working hardest on for 2016?

xoxo.

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Moriah Riona is a Colorado Springs based photographer and graphic designer specializing in glamorous weddings and sophisticated brands.

Graphic Design and Branding for Photographers and Creative Brands || Moriah Riona || New Logo and Brand Identity Collection reveal #graphicdesign #logo #photographer #branding #designAll content © Moriah Riona LLC, 2016.

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