For our family, 2016 was a big year — full of ups and downs like life always is. And, while I will always look back at everything we have to celebrate, I am so excited for what this next year will bring. I’ve set some resolutions for 2017, but a few of them are more like life goals.

2017 resolutions and goals

1. Photography; full-time

I would love to go full-time in photography. It’s my dream, and the thing I would most enjoy doing with my life. My goal is to work harder to book more sessions and wedding in 2017, to hopefully be able to make it my career, and not just a side-hustle.

2. Travel more

So far for 2017, there are two trips planned. One is for my best friend’s destination wedding that I am fortunate enough to be photographing. The other is our honeymoon (more on that later!). While both trips are sure to be amazing, I want to see everything and go everywhere. This one is definitely more of a life goal, but I felt it qualified for the resolutions list because it is something I want to work towards.

• Ireland
• France
• Greece
• Australia
• Germany
• Morocco
• Bali
• India
• So, so, so many more…

In 2016, we were able to go to two different parts of California and that was incredible. I for sure want to visit all 50 states. I am sad I missed an opportunity to go to New Orleans, Louisiana with family at the end of 2016 and check that one off the list.

3. Plan our wedding

So this one comes with a deadline, but I have definitely made this a goal. I am beyond excited for our wedding, and all of the planning that goes into it. But I am most excited for our marriage. I am looking forward to our lives together, the adventure of it all. The wedding is our celebration to start that journey.

4. Be healthy

It is my goal to be consistently health-conscious in 2017. I have been back and forth with my diet and exercise plan, and I want to find one that works for me. Something I can stick to and isn’t just for 8-12 weeks. I want a long-term plan that I will be dedicated to. As far as the “diet,” I need to be more focused on nutritional value instead of ease of making. There’s not any certain size or number on the scale I am going for, I just want to have energy and feel like the best version of myself.

In 2014, we ran a couple of races in Kansas City together, and I’d like to do that again. Having something to train for will help me set goals that will make it easier for me to incorporate working out into my lifestyle.

5. Complete a #Project365

I started one of these in 2015, and it did not last long. I am hoping to be more dedicated this year, and that starting on Jan. 1 will help. Prepare yourself for so many pictures of Banner. I will be doing this on my personal Instagram so that I don’t overload my photography account with dog photos. You can follow me @kelseyalumbaugh to see the ongoing project.

To book your session you can contact me at kelsey(at)kelseyalumbaugh(dot)com. Follow @kelseyalumbaugh on Instagram to see the more photos and like me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/kelseyalumbaughphotography to see more of my work.