Before I begin, I have three words: HAPPY. NEW. YEAR! As I laid down reflecting on the last few days of 2021, the recurring words in my mind were “Thank You”. I simply have no other choice but to go into the New Year with an immeasurable amount of gratitude. First off, I thank God for keeping not only me, but my family, friends, and all of you who are reading this alive another 365! Secondly, I have to thank all of my supporters and followers for sticking with me for my almost 4 years of blogging. From the sweet messages to nice comments, every form of support is appreciated and I can’t wait to go even higher with you all this year! Also, a big thank you to everyone who sent prayers, condolences, and messages in the aftermath of my grandfather's passing. Just as he persevered through every trial in his life, I will do the same. On a lighter note, I wanted to turn it up a notch and create something that I hope inspires all for my first post of the year. Keep scrolling for some soulfood that I hope will help you navigate through 2022. This one's for you Grandpa!
Ever so often, I’ve been making it my goal to tap into my creativity more and push the envelope. To kick off 2022, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and hit the studio. If you’ve been following me for a while, you would know that majority of my photoshoots take place outside, but we’re all about leveling up this year, both physically and mentally. With heavy inspiration from the 90s and my birthstone being topaz, I created a metallic look with a blue, sparkly wavy seam dress and blue metallic platform heels. For even more of an edgy glam, I had my makeup done with a glossy eye and iridescent gems. You know, a lil statement to really start the year right.
Now I know that last year wasn’t the perfect storybook fairytale to heal us from the constant trouble of 2020, but it’s important to know that everything you’ve been through, whether it be good or bad, is all meant for something beautiful. Life is all about living and being, and sometimes doing just that requires some harsh times. If we never went through any struggles, how would we ever know what it really means to live?
If you look at the genesis of life, you’ll see that it often comes after a little struggle. The process of a child being born is a prime example of that. Although, every mother’s journey is different, the overall commonality of the experience is that some form of labor is required to see that beautiful baby, painful or not. How about living a comfortable and stable life? You have to work, which isn’t always an easy road, but necessary for the goal! Whatever your goal may be, we are all living for something (whether it seems like it or not at the moment). At the end of the day, it’s not about what you go through, but how you LIVE through it. Life isn’t a race, so it’s okay to go through with grace. Stop dwelling on went wrong in 2021 and focus on all that can and WILL go RIGHT this year. Your life is more than yesterday’s tears and in the end, it will all be worth it. After all, with God in control, how can we go wrong? You can’t see it now, but one day I know you will.
I hope these visuals and a bit of my heart inspires you to step into your purpose this year. Cheers to more life, success, and a new start my friends. Reset. Rebirth. Live. In Jesus' Name.
“For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!”
- Romans 8:18 AMP
Shop the Look:
Dress: Naked Wardrobe
Shoes: Zara
Face Gems: e.l.f.
Much love and peace,
-Nay.
Makeup: @loveeeeashhhh
*All photos taken and edited by Mariama Hutson! (follow her: @itsmariamaaa)*
To book: https://www.mariamahutson.com/
*In loving memory of F.A. Higgins. Gone, but never forgotten*