I wrote this post in 2015. It shares an entry I wrote in my journal in 2013, just one month after I officially opened Maison Meredith Photography. I uncovered this post recently and had so many emotions rush back as I was reading it. I wanted to re-share it today, five years and 120+ weddings in to our business. 

To the new entrepreneur or to the one with only just a dream right now, I’m adding in my additional thoughts today, five years later, in bold. I hope this is helpful and encouraging to you today as it was to me, rereading (and realizing how much I didn’t even know I needed this) today <3 

02/20/13

“Good morning, Jesus. It’s a sunny, Wednesday morning, however I think it’s really cold outside today. I want to bring before You this morning all my fears and anxieties regarding this new photography business — our business. God, I really do love taking photos of people and capturing who they are and what they’re celebrating. And I believe that You’ve given me a gift to do this well, along with a personality and passion for making people feel loved and special. I want to use these gifts to not only love others but to honor You, and so Lord I pray that You would help me to legitimately see You as my partner and co-owner of Maison Meredith Photography. Remind and teach me to consult You in all decisions and ultimately obey and follow You because You are wiser than me. Grant me boldness to speak highly of you — my co-founder — and help me to not be ashamed of You and the role You play in both my personal life and in business. Teach me to never, for one second, give myself the credit. Rid me of myself and keep Yourself at the forefront. Help me to trust You in times of insecurity or anxiety, and help me to strive to be the photographer that You have created me to be.” *This is what I didn’t know I needed, God. This is still my prayer today, March 28th of 2018. Just change the “me” to “us” : )*

I wrote this journal entry almost one month exactly from the day I officially “opened” Maison Meredith Photography. And while I DEFINITELY understand that there are people reading today’s post who are not Christians, there are two reasons I chose to write word-for-word what my entry said that day.

1. I would be being dishonest to myself and my beliefs if I didn’t include everything because I was afraid of what people might say or think. I’m preaching the journal entry to myself, although it is a bit nerve-wrecking.
2. I wanted to show the true voice behind this post, which I think nudges quite obviously to my fear. 

I never, ever thought I was going to be an entrepreneur. To be quite honest, I don’t think I even knew what that word meant until I was one. What I did know was that I had a passion and a drive for something that simply could not be ignored. When I started photographing people, I discovered a craft that was not only a blessing to others, but life-giving for me. And I knew I had to pursue that passion.

Here’s the thing, though. Having a dream is one thing. It is exciting to plan and scheme and think of all that could be. Dreams are really, really good. Pursuing a dream, though … working to make a dream reality … that brings things to a whole new level. All of a sudden, in creeps the fears and worries and lies. Those voices that tell you it’s never going to work … you can’t do it … you’re not good enough. And to be honest, those voices kind of always stick around. *They sure do.* To the dreamer and the entrepreneurial beginner — you must fight those voices. Do NOT let them win.

Because you ARE good enough. And you CAN do it.

Yes, it will take a lot of hard work. A lot of planning and goal setting and long hours. *Especially in the beginning years.* But we’re all in this together. All of us chasing our dreams. You and me together, sitting at the computer screen right now.

My note to you is this: you MUST believe it yourself. As hard as it may be at times, you have to believe that you CAN do this. That fire inside of you … it’s there for a reason. I totally believe that. Don’t let the voices of comparison or inadequacy rule you. Rather, let them propel you to work harder, continue the perfection of your craft, and ENCOURAGE others. *When it gets hard and that fire fades from time to time for one reason or another, push through and go back to your why. Always go back to why you are doing this and what your purpose is. Stay grounded in your purpose.*

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. You’re not alone in this. We’ve all been there, and in fact, we’re still there. *Yep, still here!* It’s a never ending chase — ups, downs, accomplishments and  failures — but my goodness, I’m glad we’re in it together.