MY DESK ESSENTIALS

I believe that where you work, and the aesthetic of your workplace, directly affects your attitude towards your work. I've recently given a lot more thought to what is in my work space and because of it, I am a happier worker bee. :) I'd encourage you to take a look at your desk, or wherever you work and make it a place where you really love to hang out! Whether you do school, work, or just create and dream there, you have the choice of making it a fun, inspiring place, or just another space in your house. 

Below are some of my "desk essentials." Leave a comment with yours! Or, blog about them + leave a link to your post in the comments! 

three of my favorites!  here + here + here. 

journal + notebook from target.

loving naturebox! use this link + get $10 off your first box! totally worth it. :) 

planner is from target.

little blank cards so that i can remember to hit up my friends via snail mail! target. of course. 

a paper tray is a lifesaver for me. it holds bills, letters i need to respond to, my checkbook, anything that i need to keep contained.

and of course, my computer + phone! do you like all of those dents on the top of my computer? you can thank a trip to guatemala for that. ;)

THAT ONE QUESTION

“What are you doing after high-school?” The dreaded question. And if you’re in highschool (or remember senior year), don’t you feel like you hear that a lot? While all of my friends were talking about college and career paths, I would say, “I am planning on being a full time wedding photographer!” and I usually got one of three reactions. 

“Oh my gosh that is incredible! Wow, so no school? That’s awesome. Best of luck.” 

“Oh... wow, that’s interesting. So, no school? Are you sure?”  

“How much money does that make?”  

People are genuinely curious when you say that you are going into a position in the creative industry. It’s not necessarily safe. It has risks (like anything really) but when it is mostly gray areas, people get nervous. I get nervous. What if something goes wrong and I have nothing to fall back on? What if no one hires me? What if this photography thing backfires on me? College seems safer! College seems like a good solid plan, should I have done that? 

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11. 

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” Proverbs 16:9. 

“Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you...” Isaiah 43:4. 

Here’s the thing about uncertainty and the “dreaded after high-school question.” You don’t need to worry. Yes. Easier said that done. But think about it, if you are thinking of going into the creative industry, I assume that you have passions and giftings of creative nature. Whether it be photography, music, writing, or anything else, God has placed those inside of you for a reason. I can’t stress this enough. Those things are not mistakes, your loves and giftings are for a reason. God is working out a beautiful plan inside of you and all you need to do is keep walking forward, trusting Him for every step. He has drawn the boundary lines in pleasant places. He desires good for you. 

I used to get really nervous when people doubted me. I started doubting myself. Or ultimately, doubting God’s plan for my life. I really did feel called to be a photographer! I felt so passionate about it, but one conversation could make me question whether it was really what I was supposed to do. Be confident. Rest assured that when you align yourself with Jesus, He shows you what your unique + beautiful path is. He loves doing that. He loves you. 

P.S. I just want to clarify, I am not anti-college. I definitely definitely think that it is for some people. If you want to be a nurse, I don’t recommend shadowing a doctor and then saying you’re ready. ;) Again, everyone has a unique + beautiful path and that includes EVERYBODY. Not just those going into something “creative.” xoxo

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I believe that everyone has an important story to tell, no matter where you are in your life. If you have a story to tell or a journey to share, please let me know! I would love to feature as many people as I can on this blog. :) Just email me at unfoldingpassions(at)gmail(dot)com or click on the "Submit" button in the sidebar for more details! 

Also, I need your help with sharing this blog + message! If you feel inclined to (and I would appreciate it greatly!) share the link to this blog on social media. All of my links are in the sidebar. Feel free to tag me in it so that I can see it! Thank you thank you thank you!! 

WHAT IS COMING

My parents + siblings moved down the East Coast a week ago. These past few weeks have been a whirlwind as they have prepared for their big move + as I tried to spend as much time with them as I could before they left. Therefore, this space took a little break. But I’m glad to be back! :) 

I’ve talked a lot about the vision behind Unfolding Passions, what drives it, what it’s about. But practically, what is Unfolding Passions? What am I going to do with it? So today, to keep myself accountable + to inform you all of what I hope to do with Unfolding Passions (with your help, of course!) I’m going to share a few “tangible” goals of mine. 

1. The Book. This is obvious, because I’ve talked about it, but in the Spring of 2015, I, Lord willing, will be able to put a tangible, “smell the new book smell” book in your hands. This is will be a collection of photographs and words all highlighting certain individuals who are embodying the message of Unfolding Passions. I’m thinking it’s going to be a good coffee table book, but like, the kind you can put in your room and your friends will say, “Hey! That looks like a COOL coffee table book, not a lame one!” That’s the goal anyway. :)

2. The Conference. Oh friends, this is huge. I’ve always been a big dreamer... but this is big. My hope + prayer is that one day, I can host a conference with a bunch of cool people speaking/attending and we can just talk about Jesus, life, being passionate, and being an entrepreneur in the creative industry. Doesn’t that sound like fun? I think so. 

3. Jumpstarting businesses + endeavors. I want to be able to provide materials for 16-22 year olds who are interested in venturing out into the world of being an entrepreneur. Things like pamphlets, e-books, seminars, practical things that people can look at and say, “Oh! That makes sense! This is how I run the business side of business!” I also hope to talk a lot about the “You Do You” philosophy and how to be truly authentic + creatively driven in whatever you are doing. 

4. This online community. I hope to see this online space only grow and change as the rest of Unfolding Passions grows and changes. Maybe there will be an online forum where people can ask questions, answer questions, meet people who are just like them. Maybe we’ll do an online classroom, teaching and empowering people all over the world! 

I have so many plans for this place and I am praying over each one. This is something that has been heavily laid on my heart, thank you all for your support and involvement. You make it happen and I’m grateful. :)

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I believe that everyone has an important story to tell, no matter where you are in your life. If you have a story to tell or a journey to share, please let me know! I would love to feature as many people as I can on this blog. :) Just email me at unfoldingpassions(at)gmail(dot)com or click on the "Submit" button in the sidebar for more details! 

Also, I need your help with sharing this blog + message! If you feel inclined to (and I would appreciate it greatly!) share the link to this blog on social media. All of my links are in the sidebar. Feel free to tag me in it so that I can see it! Thank you thank you thank you!!