Happy New Year 2016!

It still surprises me that so much can happen in one year. I remember feeling a lack of faith in myself as I ventured into 2015. I remember that I was in an emotional turmoil with a fading sense of direction. If emptiness had a sound, all I could hear was a cacophony of ringing threatening to consume me. But I trudged onward in spite of the fears looming over me internally.

The next thing I knew was …

I survived. I made it out of the turmoil. If it wasn’t for the support and prayers coming from my loved ones, I wouldn’t have been where I am now. As I’m typing out these words in Birmingham for you to read, with every essence of my being, I believe that I am exactly where I am meant to be.

Indeed, Allah is with those who patiently endure.

[Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:153]

Every year is special to my personal growth due to the unique life lessons and adventures that shape me as the person that I am today, and I find that 2015 was no exception. If words could be any simpler, the most important thing that I learned this year is self-love and it has never been more prominent in my life.

Not only that I have learned to love myself more, I have learned to embrace every little thing about myself that makes me… me. To embrace the way that God created me. Every crinkle around my eyes when I smile, my (still) lingering hopeless romantic side, being unafraid to speak my mind… I realised that loving and accepting myself is what makes me beautiful inside out.

Realising it was one thing, but admitting it was another. I didn’t want to come off as being full of myself until another realisation hit me; I was afraid of what people think of me. Not too long after that, I felt guilty for feeling that way because fear of others’ disapproval would only become a hindrance for me to be true to myself and to live freely.

Indeed, 2015 was yet another tremendous journey of finding myself along the familiar yet foreign streets in life. Although there were times when I felt hopeless in the face of hardship, I was blessed to have been surrounded by supportive people that God had sent my way.

This year, I also went all out to improve my skills in film photography and the medium itself helped me slow down. I have captured a lot of photos on film. In addition, I got a domain for my blog which documents my journey in film photography with bits of writing here and there. So, thank you so much to you all for your immense love and support. It goes to show that film photography still has a special place in everyone’s heart.

I have captured a lot of photos on film. I have been travelling around. And most of all, I have met beautiful souls, both new and familiar. For these, I am truly grateful. In a nutshell, 2015 was transcending for the heart, the mind and the soul, and I couldn’t have asked for more.

Happy New Year 2016 to everyone from near and far. Here’s to another year of personal growth, memories and adventures!

See you in 2016! 🙂

With love and peace,

Fifi H. Hasman.

P.S. I will be posting a couple of series of personal favourite shots in 2015 in the next few days! Stay tuned!