I don’t claim to be much of an inspirational writer, but if there’s one thing I feel like I need to do after these past two weeks, it’s to capture the inspiration I’m feeling and share it with you.
People might think I’m a little crazy for changing gears and focusing on destination photography. Fortunately, though, the majority of people are cheering me on and are excited and confident in the rebrand. But a few definitely aren’t great at hiding their looks of doubt. They have the “Are you sure about this?” face or the “How can you possibly travel so much?” face. Somehow, those faces make me feel a little guilty about chasing this dream.
To be perfectly honest, I’ve always thought it was a little crazy, too. I haven’t acted on this dream before for many reasons—the biggest reason being fear. Fear that it’s never been done before, that it’s unique and uncommon, and, therefore, I might not be able to pull it off.
In less than a week after launching the new brand, however, I have been filled with so much affirmation that what we’re doing is working. That there really are “Undeniably Adventurous at Heart” people out there! I say the following not to brag but to encourage: In only five days after launching, I have received inquiries regarding four epic stateside weddings, several engagement sessions, an anniversary session, an elopement, family portraits in Iceland, family portraits in Italy, an engagement in Italy, and a wedding in Italy. (I’m learning people reallllly love Italy.)
You guys—if you cast it, they will come! I cannot even express the amount of gratitude and awe I have that the Lord is seeing this desire through. I covered this new venture in prayer, and when I didn’t hear a definite “no” from God, I decided it go for it. I think as long as I’m fearing and honoring Him, I’m still within His will … no matter which path I take.
I believe the Lord places the desires of our hearts in our hearts for good reason.
He created us with emotion and creativity and passion.
He did not create us to just pay bills and die. Can I get an “Amen”?!
I am just blown away. Friends, let this story be one of inspiration to you. Open that Etsy shop. Buy that guitar. Take those golf lessons. Make that jewelry.
SPEND THAT TIME YOU SO DESERVE searching your SOUL.
Whatever it is, just trust and move forward. I believe we were created to create, by the Ultimate Creator. Say YES to that thing that keeps you awake at night, staring at the ceiling, thinking about. It is in you for a reason. You’ll be surprised at what happens if you just try.
Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the new website is the Mark Twain quote at the bottom of the Enquire page: “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you DIDN’T do, than by the things you did do…”
Twain just gets it. Perhaps a greater fear than starting this new venture—or even, God forbid, failing at it—is the thought of waking up in 5 or 10 years, knee deep in something that doesn’t as easily allow for this particular dream to happen, and REGRETTING that I never. even. tried. That I never lifted a finger to DO what I was created to do in this particular season of life.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s been hard work. But I am confident that IF YOU SEEK, YOU WILL FIND. If you try—really try—you’ll succeed.
What’s the worst that can happen? You waste a little bit of time and money?
That thing you lie awake at night dreaming about? It could be a huge failure. OR IT COULD BE EVERYTHING YOU EVER DREAMED OF.
So what’s staring you in the face, what’s nagging at your heart day in and day out?
More importantly, what’s holding you back from tackling it?
You’ve got this. Explore. Dream. Discover. Do.
