Nine years ago, I sat down with a microphone and an idea: to create a space for Catholic women to connect, grow, and find encouragement in their vocations.
I agree with so much you're saying here. One this I wish I would have known is that in my case, I am my "brand". This means being myself and accepting that the changes that happen in my life will naturally be reflected in my creative efforts (as you said above so well!) I currently feel a disonance and a bit of confusion over my goals. This reflects what is happening in my "real life", and it's probably also something that is common for other people too. Which probably means that trying to hide it isn't my best strategy right now! Thanks for another great post.
THANK YOU Lisa! That's a great point about being "the brand." I used to hate it when people said that because I'm a PERSON, not a BRAND, but there is so much wisdom (and humanity!) in recognizing that you don't have to be just one thing and never change. How sad would that be? We are meant to grow and change! Public ministry is a bit like doing that with an audience. Not always comfortable, but I am grateful for what we get to do!
Yes, I hate the term too. But in absence of a better word, it conveys the idea that what I’m writing about, creating about, and sharing about, is my journey. Tying that to my own name has been helpful to me.
I love how you said that the fruit isn't always immediate, Danielle. That's kind of what I'm focusing on in this season of my creative life--to remember that showing up every day is my job, and the rest is up to God. I don't have to always know what He's doing, or when, or how. In the mystery and in the waiting, I have a chance to deepen my trust in His providence. But what I can do, I will do, and that is to just be present to the moment I find myself in and show up with an open heart to be God's light and love to everyone I encounter today.
I know God is at work in all you do, Jeannie, and you are so right that we don't have to know exactly what He is doing to reflect His love. I am so grateful for all the ways you "show up"!
I agree with so much you're saying here. One this I wish I would have known is that in my case, I am my "brand". This means being myself and accepting that the changes that happen in my life will naturally be reflected in my creative efforts (as you said above so well!) I currently feel a disonance and a bit of confusion over my goals. This reflects what is happening in my "real life", and it's probably also something that is common for other people too. Which probably means that trying to hide it isn't my best strategy right now! Thanks for another great post.
THANK YOU Lisa! That's a great point about being "the brand." I used to hate it when people said that because I'm a PERSON, not a BRAND, but there is so much wisdom (and humanity!) in recognizing that you don't have to be just one thing and never change. How sad would that be? We are meant to grow and change! Public ministry is a bit like doing that with an audience. Not always comfortable, but I am grateful for what we get to do!
Yes, I hate the term too. But in absence of a better word, it conveys the idea that what I’m writing about, creating about, and sharing about, is my journey. Tying that to my own name has been helpful to me.
I love that and totally agree. And I love your "brand" by the way! :)
I love how you said that the fruit isn't always immediate, Danielle. That's kind of what I'm focusing on in this season of my creative life--to remember that showing up every day is my job, and the rest is up to God. I don't have to always know what He's doing, or when, or how. In the mystery and in the waiting, I have a chance to deepen my trust in His providence. But what I can do, I will do, and that is to just be present to the moment I find myself in and show up with an open heart to be God's light and love to everyone I encounter today.
I know God is at work in all you do, Jeannie, and you are so right that we don't have to know exactly what He is doing to reflect His love. I am so grateful for all the ways you "show up"!
Thank you, Danielle. That means a lot to me.