ICYMI, I took about three months away from social media to re-center myself. It’s something that I felt God calling me to do, and as always, I’m (of course) sooo so grateful I listened to Him. 

I pour everything into every mama and family that I get the chance to serve through photography and by the end of May, I realized that I was no longer in alignment spiritually and mentally with my business.

Here were the Reasons why I came off IG;

• The noise. It’s so loud. Constantly being fed information and being sold to. I lost the ability discern what was really important. It became a distraction. 

• Seeking external validation, whereas internal validation from my Heavenly Father is what truly matters. I felt this need to constantly strive and achieve and not be content in what God has already blessed me with 

• Being fed inspiration from other photographers distracted me from being my most creative self and create what God is calling me to create. Honestly, in a deep level, it lead to a lot of comparison and insecurities in my own work. 

• Algorithm wasn’t giving me opportunities to connect with my clients and potential clients in the way I want to!

Things I learned during my break from social media:

• More time! I literally feel like I had hours back in my day without all the distraction

• More present with my family and my kids (again, not worrying about who has commented on my posts and how many likes/saves/sents they had.

• Leaning on God and listening to his voice 

• I crave sincere connection with others and compared to IG, email is the best way for me to do that

• Contentment - I’m not longer wrapped up in competition, comparison or constantly striving for something that is outside of my current capacity

By no means am I perfect today, but I feel that my business is much more aligned with my life. Being coached by Sabrina Gebhardt in her Root to Rise mastermind had a lottttt to do with that. 

She is guiding me and helping me find better alignment in my work and life, as I pursue my calling to be a wife, mom, friend, CRNA, and photographer. I’m learning about the importance of setting boundaries and self care to feel like my best self so I can serve my family, friends, and clients in the way they deserve. 

It’s been a beautiful two months and the retreat was, of course, such a highlight as I got to get to know these other amazing women and grow alongside them. I went to the retreat with strangers, but I left with new friends and new business besties. 

Here’s some highlights from our retreat in Seattle!

• I got to explore Seattle with new friends! We walked around Pike’s Place Market, the space needle and rode the Ferris wheel

• We had an outdoor evening session led by the talented Angela Doran

• Two in-home sessions led by the amazing Sabrina Gebhardt 

• Portfolio reviews

• Lots and lots of community and good conversation (so much so that I lost my voice!!)

Community is the absolute best. And I’m forever thankful for the community Sabrina  has created. 

Here are some highlights from the three sessions during our retreat!

Oh hi, friend! If we haven’t met yet, I’m Kelly! I’m so happy you’re here. I’m a family lifestyle photographer in Raleigh, NC who preserves memories of motherhood through a stress-free, high-touch experience and with heirloom-worthy artwork for young, growing families.