And with a blink of an eye, today marks 7 years since I first typed the words of what would become my little haven on this corner of the internet.
They say you never really know how much you've grown until you look back and see how far you've come.
My first post back in 2011 was only a few sentences long, and all I had to say was I had no idea where this would lead me, I knew I was curious about photography and writing and I was tired of letting fear win. And then I jumped... well I hit publish.
Can I say I am exactly where I want to be in my life right now? No, because there are always things I wish were better and I could improve on.
But did I ever think that all but a few words published on the internet could have led me to 7 years of documenting special moments in people's lives, storytelling events in my life, my journey with Jesus, new dreams, writing about my fears, my happy and sad times?
No way!
And so after 7 years of being truly dedicated to this blog, I have a few things on my heart I need to say.
1. Life is way too short to not start. Press publish. Do the things that you were always curious about. You don't know what beauty will come from it.
2. People will laugh. People won't like what you say or do. People will think you're weird. Keep doing it anyway.
There is someone out there you might not know that needs you and sees the hope you have and what makes you come alive. Your people will find you.
3. Let it go. You were created with something incredibly unique! Too many people often stay in the same box for most of their lives because they care too much what others think of them for being different. I'm slowly learning to let go of this. It's hard, it's embarrassing at first, I know. But honestly, I would lose so much more if I didn't share what God had intended for me to let shine.
4. It's not what you think. Nowadays people talk about purpose like you can buy it at a grocery store. And truthfully all I hear through these quotes and inspirational talks is "me, me, me".
But did you ever think your purpose really has not much to do with what you do?
Everyone has a purpose that's for sure. And you my friend are no mistake. But what I've realized (I can't believe it took me this long) is that it doesn't matter what you do in life... it matters that through what you do, Jesus is glorified.
Like to cook? Glorify God by feeding someone that doesn't really eat homemade meals much.
Have a car? Help someone out by giving them a ride.
Have free time? Spend time with someone you know that is lonely.
// So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. // 1 Corinthians 10:31
5. Character over success. We tend to place all of our focus on succeeding. But we don't realize that the person you are becoming and the growth that is taking place in you as you go through life is so much more important than all of the success you can ever have.
"Be dedicated to a few things and do them incredibly well and build up a reputation from there." - Hannah Brencher
Life is about growing, the moment you think you've arrived is the moment you've stopped.
Don't stop.
Keep learning, be humble, and have a teachable spirit no matter how successful you become.
Lastly, I just want to truly say thank you so much from my mushy-gushy beating heart to yours for following me along this journey of mine.
To all the beautiful souls that allowed me to document a special moment in their lives... thank you.
Here's to growing, to getting up every time we fall, and being bold and courageous to become who we were created to be. ♡
