“Not long ago, I was journaling about some personal goals I would like to set for myself, and one of them was “become a writer.” I stopped, and thought about what I had written. I had referred to myself as a writer before, but through that written goal, I suddenly realized that I did not truly believe myself to be one.

I have often felt that I was too young and inexperienced to have anything of real value to say. I would write page after page in my journal- sometimes even on my blog. I’d tell myself  that I would be a “real writer” when I had gained more life experience, seen more places, had done more notable things… then I would have something to offer.

So often we struggle with allowing ourselves titles- “writer”, “photographer”, “artist”. I think we fear that if we refer to ourselves with those terms, we will have to live up them. We fear that more will be expected of us then we are able to give.

The truth is, I have always been a writer, whether I was brave enough to claim the title or not. For as long as I can remember, I have filled page after page of my journals with thoughts and opinions, memories and dreams- they were extensions of my very being.

It was not a matter of becoming a writer. What I really needed was to give myself permission to believe I was one already. I needed to let go of the fear that I would not have enough to offer, to let go of the fear of failure.

I am a writer. I am an artist.
(My heart sings to be able to confidently type those words.)

Many extremely creative people hide behind the word “aspiring”. It is okay to admit that you are still growing and have much to learn- we all do. We are each at a different point in our creative journey. I grow as an artist, photographer, and writer every single day. But when we boldly claim what we already are, within, we give ourselves permission to create. It is not about claiming to have “arrived”, it’s about claiming to be on the journey.

You, as an artist, have something amazing and unique to offer, right now. No one else sees and experiences the world the way you do. Your voice is your own, and if you are willing and brave enough to break yourself wide open and share your unique and beautiful heart, what comes out will be real- nothing “aspiring” about it. That kind of authenticity is extremely powerful, and is truly art.

I dare you to trust your own voice as it is right now. Give yourself permission to boldly claim who you already are. Just watch what happens.”

I am an artist. I am a photographer. Now watch me go after my dreams!

Fast Track Photographer by Dane Sanders, and Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson

I also ordered one that I read about on Jasmine Star’s blog, that she recommended:

The E-Myth by Micheal E. Gerber

Before I can dig into those however I need to read two books that I bought last year and started, but never made it past the first couple chapters. Today I started (again) Love is the Killer App by Tim Sanders. I am actually underlining parts I want to remember and be able to go back to, in PEN, which goes against my type-A personality completely. I like to keep my things nice, what can I say? I have a lot to learn and this is a great way to start!

Thank you Jasmine, a million and one times, THANK YOU!

I can’t believe how long it has taken me to post these pictures…better late than never I guess. It is also hard to believe that my baby turned two in May! Time sure does fly by, and I think it goes faster with the second child than it did with the first.

I am a HUGE fan of acclaimed wedding photographer Jasmine Star, and have read her blog off and on for awhile now. Recently I decided to go back and read her old blog, from day (or post) one, to try and figure out how she got to where she is today in a relatively short amount of time. Isn’t it totally awesome that she is willing to share her journey with the world so unabashedly? She is just like that, willing to help a fellow photographer or someone who wants to be one. Did I mention I am a HUGE fan?! Her first posts remind me of someone…me! It is amazing that someone like her felt the same things that I feel, struggled with the same things that I struggle with…fear of failure, of rejection. It has completely inspired me because if she could reach for the stars and exceed her wildest dreams then so can I! I am committing to this road, right here right now, I am on this journey and I will not stop until I make it. Period.

If you want to be inspired as I have check out Jasmine’s old blog here, and don’t forget to go back in the archives and start at the beginning. It is so worth it!

Here is a picture I took of my daughter last week that I wanted to share. My husband said it is his favorite picture that I have taken so far…