Ivana Rizik Photography

Full month. Full heart.
Looking forward to February 🤍

Julissa and Dallas’ engagement session happened at sunrise on Isla Verde Beach in Puerto Rico. Come see how their session went!

A Golden Sunrise Engagement Session at Isla Verde Beach | Julissa & Dallas - ivanarizik.com Julissa and Dallas’ engagement session happened at sunrise on Isla Verde Beach in Puerto Rico. Come see how their session went!

I saw a post recently that said something like:
“People will be sharing everything they achieved in 2025… and I just survived. And that’s enough.”
I felt that — I’ve definitely had years like that, and I do believe that survival is a huge win.

Thankfully, this year wasn’t one of those years. But it reminded me that it’s normal to have both kinds of seasons. 🤍

My year kind of looked like this:
I started off so strong — super consistent with my routines and goals… then somewhere in the middle I got out of routine, and it’s been a struggle to get back.

BUT the struggle feels different now. It’s not affecting me the way it would if this would’ve happened to me two years ago.
I’m not stressing or beating myself up about it. I know I’ll get back into routine. I trust myself more than I ever have, and THAT is new for me.

In the past, I used to carry so much pressure — thinking I should be better, or know more, or perform at a level I convinced myself everyone expected of me. That mindset exhausted me.

Now? I’m learning to honor my growth.
To say:
“I’m not where I want to be yet… but look how far I’ve come.”
And that brings so much peace.

So if you need the reminder:
Pause. Notice the progress. Celebrate the fact that you’re still here.
Enjoy the ride — even the slow parts.

Taking time to meditate on these things has done wonders for my mental health. 🌱

What about you? What’s one win you achieved this year?

NYC on film, pt. 2. A couple of stories:
Photo 7. An accidental double exposure. You’ll see the name of my favorite taco place in the city right in the middle of the photo.
Photo 11. I was trying so hard to capture this cute couple and they came out blurry and dark 🫠