I've never really been one to make New Year Resolutions, but I like to think that I am a goal-oriented person so it's safe to say I'm setting resolutions for myself all year long. Self-reflection is a healthy practice and it's something I try to do regularly. January 1st is just another day we all get the chance to refocus our minds, bodies and spirits to live graciously. I think it's important to take stock on what you have - to observe where you are now and where you've come from, to ask yourself how you have grown and where you still need to be stretched. Life doesn't seem to slow down the older we get and I expect this year to pass quickly with the expected challenges and joys of being human.

There is much to be thankful for. There is much to look forward to. Here are some things I have been thinking about and am working toward this year:

Self Employment. Well, technically I have been out on my own since September. I am both exhilarated and anxious about this but mostly very, very excited. I think jumping into the world of self-employment looks different for everyone so I'm figuring it out as I go along. It's been amazing to watch my business grow the past several years and I attribute much of that growth and my success to the kindness and generosity of others in this small, wonderful city. I have plans to expand my artistic practice visually and musically.

New Zealand. February- which is just one month away. I need to buy a bunch of new memory cards and a ton of film for this trip. I'll be flying to Auckland and driving to Taupo (on the other side of the road) to photograph Caitlin & Darren's wedding. Pinch me.

Make More Prints. Pretty self explanatory, but this is a massive undertaking. I've begun printing photos that I've taken with my iPhone and put them in an album. Next up will be making prints of photos I've posted to Instagram. Remember the days we used to flip through albums and reminisce? Yeah, I want more of that good stuff in my life.

Less Social Media, More Sharing. The conflict or struggle I have had with sharing on social media isn't the sharing itself but knowing how much to share. My hope is that I can be more intentional and disciplined by sharing on my website, without the subsequent follows and likes.

Writing Music. I've been dabbling with my violin to create some original music. I like where it is going and really enjoy the writing and recording process. So far, this mostly involves feeling and trusting my instincts but if I had to make an analogy, I would appear to be driving blindfolded on a very bumpy road. This involves so much more vulnerability than I expected but I'm taking that as a good sign and just going with it. Best case scenario, I manage to make some decent recordings that aren't just in my living room.

Irving Nature Park, January 2016 / Michael Milburn — Irving Nature Park, January 2016 / Michael Milburn

Shoot more Film. Sometimes it exceeds my expectations and sometimes it disappoints, but getting my scans and negatives back is better than Christmas. Photographing with film just makes me happy.

Photo Projects. Well, if I say it on here then I have to commit to doing it. I've had a few ideas floating around in my head and one project underway. I'm still unsure of how and when it will be finished but I intend to share the process here.