Hello sweet friends! First, before I even say anything else… I am beyond thankful for you. Without YOU being here, I would not be able to even write something like this. This community has brought way more into my life than I ever imagined possible. And for that, I am so thankful!
What’s going on in my head:
I’ve been doing a LOT of soul searching lately. My husband and I have had lots of big talks about the future…where we see ourselves in 12 months, 5 years, 10 years, etc. If you don’t have these talks with your spouse – I highly recommend it! Sometimes we do “planning nights” instead of “date nights” once the kids are in bed- it’s actually one of my favorite things we do! Sounds slightly lame – haha!
But you might have noticed that things are a little different around here. I honestly can’t pinpoint what’s been different in my mind, which usually means that it’s God working something out in my life.
Here it is: I’m kind of “over” the whole blogging thing – in the way I’ve been doing it in the past.
Oh gosh, I can’t believe I just wrote those words. This is my career, my INCOME – which has far surpassed the income I made at my tenured teaching career. I can’t really just say “I’m over it” because my family depends on this.
What?! What will you do instead?
OK let’s back up. I’ve realized that I’m at a crossroads in my business.
I’m either at the point where I need to buy a newer fancier camera, invest in some photography classes, and up my photography game to make beautiful stylized shots for my home decor. I have some blogging friends who have done this and I am in AWE of their work – it’s incredible! There is nothing wrong with this option at all, but it’s just the wrong option for me.
OR – or…I do something different. Maybe, just maybe, I can take my business in a different direction.
What I’ve learned through this business is that I love one thing the most…
Connecting with you.
Teaching you.
Helping you.
That’s truly the reason I keep going. I would never be doing this if I wasn’t getting interaction from all of YOU.
Learning photography, staging a room, doing a photoshoot, editing photos…those are all things I’ve done, but I don’t feel like they’re really my gifts. They’re hard for me. Sure, I could work harder and learn more, but it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s just not what I’m naturally great at.
But! Designing spaces that function well for people, that make people feel at home, and that look beautiful…THAT is so much fun to me. And then helping to teach other people how to do this in their homes, and equipping them with the skills & confidence they need…THAT does not feel like work to me. Doing that is so incredibly fun for me, and I have been trying to figure out HOW to do this for a little while now.
What does this look like?
First of all – my blog isn’t going anywhere. I’ll still be posting, and it’ll still look like it has in the last few months. I won’t be doing seasonal house tours unless I’m so excited about sharing. I won’t be forcing styled shots unless I love creating them. I’ll be working with brands that I love and feel great about recommending to you. I’ll still be sharing across my social media channels. Don’t worry – that’s not going away.
Why?
Here’s the deal. I could leave it like it is. It’s working. I’m still making a full-time income that works for our family. BUT, I feel like God is calling me to shift and change directions. I have a certain direction that I think He’s calling me towards – and it’s a little scary to change. OK – more than a little scary.
But I’m trusting. I’m obeying, and I’m going to let go of the limitations I’m putting on myself to trust that God has a bigger and better plan than I do.
I hate to leave this post off on a vague note – but know that some new things are coming soon, and I can’t WAIT to share what I’ve been working on for the past few months!
Thank you again for being here – I love you guys, and I’m thankful for you every day!
I hope we keep hearing from you !
you absolutely will!! 🙂
I’m pleased for you that you’re taking this big step-scary as it is. It’s not easy to follow God’s plan all the time, especially when you’re not sure where he’s leading you. You’re preaching to the choir in your desire to design and make other people’s spaces work better for them. I’m passionate about this, although never been formally trained. I’m Mom to 3 grown children, and nothing gets my juices going more than helping them design functional homes for them. Best of luck to you-can’t wait to see where this path leads you!
Lori J
Thank you, Lori!! It’s not easy at all, but it’s also exciting!! and isn’t it so much fun to do that?? Thanks so much for taking the time to comment 🙂
Christina,
Doing what God is calling you to do is more important than a blog, or Instagram or any social media. Whatever you do, his light will shine through your good deeds.
You’re always so kind, Von! Thank you so much!!
Best wishes as you pivot! I’ve always enjoyed your posts, and I hope you discover new joys on the path you’re pursuing!
Pivot! That’s a really good word for this! thank you!
Can’t wait to see where you take us next ❤️
Oh thanks, Lauren!! That means a lot!
Excited to see what the Lord has for you Christina!! Thanks for sharing your heart! ??
Thank you so much!!
Congratulations! Trusting God continues to reveal himself to you. He is faithful!
amen & amen!!
Hi there
I don’t know why.. but I just started following you. Unfortunately I don’t have the time to follow creative blogs, I was attracted to your blog because I found it honest and not “swallow” . I read your last post and I got chills… when I first read your post I thought you were already doing what you are embarking to do. As one business owner to another I am telling you go for it and good luck!
Wow – thank you Carole!! That means so much!! I am kind of already doing it but looking to do things kind of differently around here 🙂 Stay tuned- and thanks for being here!!!
Go with your calling…there are so many accounts on IG now and they all duplicate each other (food delivery, kid’s play pack delivery, mom’s fun fab delivery, happy mail delivery)~~be original and true to yourself, I love following you “because” of your family values ❤️
I totally agree, all the influencers are copying each other so everything is duplicated (old navy try one, happy mail, food delivery, grove collaborative, Trader Joe’s, Costco………….hope you find your niche, I’m not going anywhere!!
Gosh yes, the freedom to obey the call is so wonderful but so scary at the same time. Especially when it’s a change. I’ve been struggling with the details of my calling but at the end of the day if I have ten readers or ten thousand, the point is obedience. God’s in the business of redeeming and reaching those He calls. Love your enthusiasm and your face hasn’t changed one bit since our days at Etown. Keep it up, you’re an inspiration!
Just trust in the Lord and you will do the right thing. Whatever; you decide will be in your best interests. you and ;your bbeautiful family have a grand summer doing things y;ou all like to do together,
I will keep you in my thoughts,.
blessings to you, [email protected]
I am SO EXCITED to see where God takes you! I’ll be right here, praying you on and enjoying the ride! ?❤️?❤️?