If I had to briefly describe this year, I really wouldn’t know how. Every year comes with its own challenges, and at the end of each year, I choose to look at the good that happened, and see the good that came out of the bad. To begin thinking about this year, as in truly think, to think about all the people who have been suffering mentally, physically and financially. To the people who have lost loved ones. To the friends who have had babies I have yet to meet. To think about the movements that were given a front seat, and to the many issues and tragedies being shoved under the carpet. To think of tolerating leadership that have failed us time and time again. To think of small businesses that failed because of these leaders decisions. And, to be marginalized based on your appearance and status. It all doesn’t feel new, but being home have lead us to zero in and really see things for what they really are, it gave us time to think.
Spending night on the balcony, calling loved ones during lockdown.
It is hard to ask of you to look at the upside of all of this. This year was hard. Universally hard. You can’t say that is a common occurrence, for something to be universally hard. There is definitely an imaginary scale of difficulty that is dictated based on privilege, I’m not blind to that. But the year 2020 was hard on everyone.
Yet, we are still here. We still loved, laughed, cried, celebrated and continued to live. I refuse to see this year as a blank year in my life. If anything, it has been a defining shift that was much needed.
Before this year, I had so many doubts about the industry I was participating in. There is so much about it that was toxic. This year it forced us to focus back on what is important.
To my clients, I could sit here and thank you for supporting a small business stay afloat. But I want to actually thank you for keeping me afloat. When the restrictions started to ease up, my email started to fill up with all sorts of smaller shoots and smaller weddings. I found myself diving deep back into my work and in so many ways, that was my life line that lifted me up during an otherwise, a mentally draining and difficult time. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Here are some of the beautiful memories we managed to bring out of this year, we made the most out of what we could.
Starting this year in Pakistan, visiting my husband’s homeland. An incredible experience.
Shalimar Bagh
Wazir Khan Mosque
Badshahi Mosque Gate
Stopped in Istanbul for a couple of days - will be adding a couple more photos from here soon.
Visited home, Amman - Jordan and spent time with my family
Old Amman, Jordan
Lahore Fort
Restrictions lessened… cases went down to two digits (crazy to think that now.) So with great hesitancy we started the greatest road trip of all time. We knew we wanted to reach Alberta but it was a pressure off type road trip. This is when we got there 3 days later, it was an incredible feeling.
We let our hair down for the first time in months. We spent our time chasing sunrise and sunsets, climbing mountains and feeling the air in our lungs. Best decision we made this year.
Sunrise on Lake Moraine
Over lake Louise
On top of Mount Edith
We tried camping for the first time this year… Not sure why we never did it before, because I loved it.
Camping with the best social bubble I could ask for
I will be wrapping up this year celebrating my birthday and my 3rd wedding anniversary with my husband. We will unwind and try to disconnect and continue to focus on those we love, even if it has to be virtually.
Airbnbs came in clutch
Found ways to celebrate milestones on our own by being tourists in our city.
I hope this year continues to remind you and I to give time and space to not be okay. but I also hope that we continue to celebrate all the small moments the best we can. I hope we remember to continue to check on our loved ones, and to offer a lending hand when needed. I hope we continue to remember that our voices matter, especially when yours has a bigger impact than others. I hope we use our voices to spread love, justice and compassion. I hope we stand for what we believe in respectfully without fear or hesitation. And finally, I hope you to be well.
Happy holidays and a happy new year everyone.
Love,
Aya