Be Brave

It’s the beginning of a new year, when we make resolutions. Often, the goals are the same from previous years. Sometimes these goals are challenges you want to conquer, habits to make, or fears to overcome. My 9 year old daughter has made a goal to read 100 books this year. Surely, if she can challenge herself like that I can do the same!

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I find my inner critic makes it difficult. That fear that I can’t, shouldn’t, or worse, what if I fail?

So what if I do fail?

Isn’t it worse to never try?

I wanted to share a story about girl who is terrified of deep water. (Give me a beach any day; just don’t make me go out past my waist! I don’t know what it is…maybe something about the unknown lurking below.) It was a bright sunny day off the California coast. It was late morning and there was a slight breeze that smelled of sea water. We were walking along the rocky beach on the island of Catalina. There we saw a stand for kayak rentals. Brad thought it would be fun to rent one, me not so much. With love and encouragement from my sweetheart, he convinced me and we went kayaking on the open ocean.

I’m not gonna lie, I was scared.

But, I did it! I faced my fear and I was fine. It was actually a fun experience and a great memory. My fear of deep water is still there, but I faced it, and my heart is braver than it was before.

Again, I have encountered a new fear and challenge. Once again, my sweetheart is full of love and encouragement to face this challenge and conquer it.

My inner critic tells me my art will never be perfect, no one will like it, how can you do this and raise a family? Instead, I choose to remind my heart to be brave. Just try.

My dream is bigger than my fear.

I love photography. I adore photographing newborns and children. I love those special moments of motherhood that are so fleeting. I feel like sometimes I’m neck deep in it and can’t see how fast it’s moving by. I want to document those moments and more importantly I want to help other mothers capture those moments too. I hope to help you be a part of the portraits for your children’s memories.

This photography business is a dream, a goal, and an opportunity to love and serve. I have so many exciting things planned, and I can’t wait to share them.

Here’s a free printable for you. If you face your own fear or challenge, especially if you aren’t sure you can do it – it’s a reminder to your heart to Be Brave.