As we come to the end of 2022, I’m reflecting on this year’s many blessings. It’s been such a joy to serve you and get to know each of you as your maternity, newborn, or family photographer in Dallas! I’m so thankful for all of my sweet clients!

This year, we were blessed to welcome our baby girl into our home and it’s been so sweet watching her big brothers get to know her. With three kids, I’m expecting 2023 to be even more full than last year and I’m so excited for it! I’m learning to manage expectations, and as I make plans for the New Year, I’m trying to make resolutions that are both achievable and worth the effort! 

If you’re like me and want to keep unique and meaningful New Year’s resolutions that will help others, here are a few I’m putting on my list!

Visit Family More Often

This past year, we took a trip to Mexico to visit my grandpa so he could meet his great-grandchildren. It was so sweet to see my children bond with my grandfather, and I was so thankful we invested the time and the money to do it now! Time is fleeting, and you never know how long you have with someone! Create memories while you still have the chance! There’s a remarkable connection between grandparents and their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and I want to foster that as much as possible.

If you live far away from family and don’t get to see them in person as much as you’d like, regular video chats can also be a great way to stay connected!

Shop Local

With the New Year often comes new spending habits, resolutions to buy less, and budgeting goals. While I think these are great, I also want to focus on where I’m buying this year. There are so many local businesses in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, family-owned establishments that could really use support in today’s economy. Farmers markets are a great source for shopping local and finding healthy products! It can be a great idea to choose one type of product to only buy locally—like purchasing your books from independent bookstores rather than Amazon, or shopping local thrift stores for children’s clothing rather than buying new.

Give Back in Small Ways

With three kids, it’s hard to find time to volunteer on a regular basis. But I’d like to make an effort to give back to my community in small ways, whether that’s donating old toys or participating in a local food drive. If you have older children, involving them in volunteer work, even if it’s something simple like visiting a retirement community or helping at an animal shelter, can be a powerful learning experience.

Make a Meal for A Friend

With a new baby, I’m so thankful for the family and friends who have brought us meals and helped out in big and small ways. I know from experience just how helpful it can be not to have to worry about dinner. A homemade meal is a wonderful way to show a friend you care, whether that friend has just had a baby, is sick, or is just having a long week. If you’re not exactly the culinary type, a giftcard to a restaurant or a food delivery service can be just as nice!

Send Handwritten Thank-You Notes

This holiday season, I’ve adored all the Christmas cards from family and friends, especially from clients whose Christmas mini sessions and fall photo shoots were simply stunning. There’s something so special about receiving a personalized note in the mail! That’s why I think sending handwritten thank-you cards is a great New Year’s resolution. Whether it’s saying thank you for a gift, a party invitation, or simply for someone’s friendship, a handwritten note is a wonderful way to cultivate gratitude and brighten someone’s day!

Do you have any unique New Year’s resolutions? What are you looking forward to in 2023?