Wow, where to start with this one. Lately, I just have found myself smiling for no reason. I have been overcome with this sense of gratitude. I am in my happy place.

Flash back to this time last year. Not only was it warmer (ugh MIDWEST get your seasons together!!), but life was so different.

This time last year graduation was fast approaching. And as excited as I was to have that piece of paper, I was so scared for what would happen after it. I saw everyone around me moving, getting jobs and getting their lives together. I started to have mini panic attacks while searching for jobs, and almost was dreading the summer and telling people "no, not yet.. still looking". Theres just something about not being employed by someone that makes you feel like maybe you're not good enough.

This time last year I was working part time at the college in barley pathology, doing photography side gigs and dog sitting here and then. In between my low class schedule (since it was my last semester) and my small part time job, I had a ton of time. I took lots of photos while I job searched, interviewed at a couple positions, but nothing was meant to be. I was starting to give up, I felt like everything I went to school for was not worth it. I felt like I was letting people down. Photography was and has always been a sense of release for me, I have been doing "photography" on and off 8-9 years, but what I didn't see at that point in my life was my therapy was becoming my passion.

This time last year I met Tawny ( well not really MET, but first time we actually hung out together ). Who inspires me daily to be different, push myself outside of the box and not give a crap what other people think. This time last year I started booking more and more photography jobs, and WEDDINGS. This time last year everything changed and I didn't even realize it. I was so worried about the future that I didn't see what God was doing for me right then.

Fast forward to around June time, I was booking photo sessions more & more and weddings and getting busier and busier and made the executive decision to pursue this as more than just a side job. It helped A LOT that I was still living with my parents, I don't think I could of made it with out them. Summer & fall hit me like a freight train and this is when I realized, holy heck I CAN DO THIS. I spent the rest of 2017 capturing love, light, happiness, family and forever moments while traveling and creating amazing connections in the midwest area. It was the best year yet.

So what I'm trying to say without going into to much detail it; trust the journey. The road may seem short and dark at the moment but GREAT things are in store for you. I was at a pretty low point, internally, in my life this time last year and this year I've never been happier. I am stable, I have a roof over my head, a few paw prints in my kitchen and all I need is right within reach. Life is good, and I thank the Lord everyday for what I have been given and the opportunities that have came to me in the last year. But I also have AMAZING clients to thank for that, without everyone's support I would be absolutely no where.

Thank you all, trust your journey. I have no idea where I will be in the future, what God has in store for me. . but if this is any indication of his plans, it will be great.

Life is good.

All photos by: Tawny Marie

This Time Last Year; Real Talk | Sophie Grace Photography