Growing My Tribe at Reset Conference, Champaign, IL: Sweet Lemonade Photography and Jordan and Amy Demos

I spent 2 full days at Reset, a photography conference at the iHotel in Champaign, Illinois soaking in as much knowledge as I possibly could from the creative aspect of actually taking photos to all the things you need to make your business successful and have longevity.  All of that was wonderful but the greatest value came in relationships.  I met a variety of photographers who could relate to the challenges of being your own boss in a creative world that often is misunderstood by others.  I made new friends from throughout Central Illinois and beyond.

My biggest takeaway from the 2 day conference had nothing to do with my Sweet Lemonade Photography business but it was a reminder that continues to be driven into me through my interactions with friends, family, and some of the most successful photographers including Julie Paisley, Maureen Flynn and now at Reset through Amy and Jordan Demos.

I am enough.

There are plenty of critics in the world and unfortunately, your critics can end up being in your closest circle if you don’t choose wisely.  I’ve spent much of my adult life being treated like I was worthless by someone that was close to me.

But guess what?  I am enough.

Amy and Jordan spoke about Critic’s Math at Reset… 1 insult + 1,000 compliments = 1 insult. Couldn’t agree more.  Whether we care to admit it or not, what other people think of us matters to us, more than it should honestly.  I have so many incredible cheerleaders in my life who focus on all the good I have to offer but instead what I continued to hear was the one negative voice… the one who told me I wasn’t good enough and never would be.   After years of feeling worthless and losing myself because of how someone treated me, I still struggle to only place my self-worth based on how God sees me.

Because through His eyes, I am enough.

Jordan Demos shared with us during Reset “what we may feel are our greatest weaknesses are actually are our greatest strengths”. And when we embrace God’s truth we become a better version of ourselves… the version God had in mind when He created us.  And it’s quite liberating to stop caring quite as much about what others think about us and using our ‘weaknesses’ in a positive way.

I am enough.  But not only am I enough but I was PERFECTLY CREATED.

On day 2 of the conference, I met a woman who I know was THE reason why I was supposed to attend Reset.  A gal came up to me and introduced herself to me and asked if I was Heather with Sweet Lemonade Photography.  She then proceeds to tell me that she’s been following my photography since I started and has also read my personal blog and she said “my photography business started because of very similar life circumstances as yours.”   The emotions she shared were so raw and it took me back immediately to how I felt a few years ago because not only were the situations very similar but I totally understood the pain she is experiencing.  I’ve been there.  It sucks.  But I made it.  She will too.

I wish I could remember exactly what I said to her but I just wanted to encourage her that if her marriage doesn’t survive through this tough time, that it does not mean she failed.  I said something like, “I want you to know that if your marriage doesn’t survive, do not think of yourself as a failure or a quitter.  You are a fighter.  You’re fighting for yourself, for your spouse and for your kids against odds that many would think you couldn’t beat.  You’re giving it everything you have and keeping your focus on what’s most important.   And if at the end of the day, it isn’t enough… be confident in the fact that you fought. You are good enough.  You’re a fighter NOT a quitter!  Don’t tell yourself otherwise.”

As I started to remind her that she’s a fighter NOT a quitter, the tears streamed down her face and my heart broke for her.   Then we hugged.  And as we hugged she whispered in my ear, “Don’t you forget it either.  You’re a fighter.”  Cue the tears. Oh Lord have mercy.  She spoke truth into me at the moment I was trying to encourage her.  Often we should be encouraging ourselves with the same words that we share so easily with others.  That’s tough isn’t it?  To speak positively to ourselves.   So when she said that it went straight to my heart.

She’s right.  WE are fighters.  WE are enough.

I hate to see others hurting.  This blog was created to share my personal journey in a way that I hope can benefit others that read it.  It’s nice to know that others experience similar feelings of doubt, fear, frustration, and sadness but also those same people will celebrate with us when things go great.   Amy and Jordan Demos said “Community divides burdens and multiplies victories.”    I’ve been very blessed to have a caring, supportive, loyal tribe in my life.  And through my photography business I have found more people I consider part of my tribe.  Some people, like Jordan and Amy, may not know even know it but they are in my tribe too.   What they shared came from their heart and are truths that God wants to remind me of and hearing them once, or twice is not enough.  He wants me to hear them over and over until I believe unequivocally that I am enough.  

Be kind, honest, and loving.   The impact you make on others will be exponential.  And YOU will unknowingly be considered a part of tribes around the world because of the genuineness you share.  

Your words matter.  Your heart matters.   You are enough.  You are better than enough.  You are amazing and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise!

XOXOXO

Heather

Heather is the owner of Sweet Lemonade Photography and co-owner of Sweet Darling Weddings.  Life gave her a bunch of lemons (you can read a little more here) and by keeping her focus on God, finding the positive in each day, and surrounding herself with supporting, loving and encouraging people she has turned those lemons into the sweetest lemonade.  This blog has been created to share her heart, her adventures and find ways to bless others.  You can contact her at heather@sweetlemonadelife.com.