Over the last few months, I’ve been thinking and praying about a new series that I wanted to share with you guys. I’ve absolutely loved sharing my heart with you on the blog throughout the years, and I wanted to give myself an outlet to do just that, while encouraging you in the process!

Something that I have been learning about lately is the truths about ourselves that can be found in Jesus. As someone who often struggled with negative self-talk, it was easy for me to believe lies about myself and my business that simply were not true.

I have personally taken steps to combat this lately and I wanted to share a few of those with you today to kick off my new blog series:

1. Read “Get Out Of Your Head” by Jennie Allen. If you struggle at all with negative self-talk or a toxic thought life that often spirals out of control, then I would highly encourage you to read this book. I have recently found that these types of struggles are actually really common. So if you feel like you’re alone, please know that you are not! I haven’t even finished this book yet, but so far it’s spot on.
2. Brainstorm a list of characteristics that are true about you in Christ. Cory and I spent one afternoon last summer doing this (and finding corresponding scripture references) and it has been so helpful. When I find myself believing a lie about my character that simply isn’t true, I can go back to the list we created and speak truth into my life. If you want to take it a step further, write out a few of your favorite words and put them on sticky notes in a place that you look daily.
3. Pick a word of the day from the list of characteristics that are true about you in Christ. Seriously, do it. Pray about the word you chose in the morning and read the corresponding scripture. Often times I pick a word based on what I have planned for the day or one that addresses something that I’ve been struggling with something lately. For example, if I am feeling overwhelmed about work, I pick a word like “disciplined.” If I have had a hard time controlling my emotions, I pick “meek.” Sometimes I pick “thankful” or “loved.” There’s no right or wrong word of the day. Just pick one, and let that be your focus.

You may be wondering, how on earth does this relate to photography or business? Well like I mentioned earlier, you’d be surprised how many people actually struggle with their identity and believing lies about their character. This specifically relates to other business owners because we deal with this on a daily basis! We’re constantly alone, constantly fighting the comparison trap and just trying to keep our heads above water. There is so much freedom in Christ that can be found if we simply believe the things that Christ says are true about ourselves!

I’m so excited to start a brand new blog series that takes you through some of my favorite characteristics that are true about us in Christ, and teaches you how to reflect them throughout your business. I’m praying that it will be source of encouragement for you and that we all learn a lot along the way.