Best Resolution Ever

Did the post title catch your eye? Okay, so sometimes I exaggerate, but this time I’m serious! In 2009, I single-handedly knocked out* a monster of a resolution that will change the way that I live my life for years and years to come (…and it might be slightly off-topic for this thrifty blog, but it costs absolutely nothing and made so much of an impact on me that I felt like I should share the idea with you as the New Year comes closer).

The year 2008 was most definitely one of the hardest years of my life: someone close to me had died, I decided to leave my former career, ended a long-term relationship, and dealt with debilitating illness. After all of that, I decided it was time to pull myself out of the funk I was in and do something to focus on all of the positives in my life. That was when I decided to jump on board with Project 365, a year-long venture in photography in which one takes one picture for each day of the year. After a quick Google search, I was armed and ready to go with great tips and Flickr groups full of inspiration.

I’m by no means a photographer (it’s a simple Olympus point-and-shoot for me), but by focusing on my purpose for doing the project, came up with images that instantly surface memories of the moments I captured. Can you say that you remember something from each day of the year?

I started off the year with the very first sunrise. (day 1)

Some images bring back feelings~ This one was taken on my way back from my first date with Nate! (Day 30)

 Remembering the feeling of cheering for the marathon to reminds me of why I'm in training for my own. (day 46).

Bringing my camera everywhere with me paid off more times than I can count. (day 108)

I always chose the most memorable images over those with the best quality (day 128)

(day 178)

As a bonus to the whole thing, my photography skills started to improve. (day 208)

The renovations ate up quite a few spots after buying the house. (day 226)

Of course, that boy I love made a few appearances. (day 298)

And this one seemed to be in more than her share of shots. (day 317)

In the end, it was more about the memory of the image than who actually took the picture. (day 334)

And even if 2009 wasn’t the best year of my life, looking back at the large photo collection filled with familiar faces, proud accomplishments, and simple moments I experienced really makes it feel that way.

Did you follow through on any resolutions in 2009?

*okay, I haven’t “finished” it yet… but I’m confident that I can make it these last two days