All the Creative Ladies

There is nothing I love more than to see someone doing what they love.

photo & artwork by Jordan Rae Designs

Doing what you're passionate about is the best kind of Self-Care.

More than bubble baths, alone time, or going on a run,

doing what I love makes me feel....complete.

There's a distinct feeling that comes with connecting to 

what we're made to do.

It feels electric, like a new energy source.

I think that thing each of us is passionate about is a gift God gave us.

I believe creativity is a way to connect to Him.

Writing is it for me.

When I sit down and write, I feel like the best version of myself.

When I write I connect to a deeper heartbeat that lets me breathe.

When I'm able to express myself through words I feel known.

I know when I'm in a healthy place, because I write more.

But sometimes writing takes courage for me.

Blogging doesn't look like it used to.

Sometimes I compare my blog to others and it seems...outdated.
Sometimes I feel like deleting everything and starting over.

That's when I try remember why I started blogging in 2009.
I wanted to create a place for honesty.
I wanted to be truthful about my struggles and successes.
Because I believe honesty creates more honesty.

Comparison is one thing that steals from what we love.
Comparison makes compassion nearly impossible.

There are a number of women with blogs and talents.
Some of them help me believe in my writing when I want to quit.
Some of them help me remember Who my creativity comes from.

These are the ladies who inspire me to keep writing:

Jordan Rae Designs

Jordan is one of my dearest friends from junior high, and she just happens to be one of the most beautiful women I know. Her joy and love are obvious. She's a mom of two who uses nap time to paint beautiful family portraits. It's apparent what the important things in life are for her. 

Heads of Art

Faith is another friend of mine from our school days. She's one of the most talented hair stylists in Kansas City. She's one of the lucky few who gets to do what she loves all day everyday. One thing I love about her is she does what she loves to the highest level. She's always learning new things about her art and always one of the first to try something new.

Abode Abide

Alisha is a writer who uses Instagram and her blog to convey beautiful messages. Her writing is so lovely and magical. She gives me courage to believe that my words matter, too.

Stephanie May Wilson

Stephanie is the author of The Lipstick Gospel. She also thought up the #loveliesthings365--an effort to help her followers on Instagram look for things to be grateful for every single day. She is always so encouraging and honest. She helps me to never give up on my dream of writing a book.