Words. They can build you up or tear you down. I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of words and how I use them to effect others.

Being an artist, comparison is one of my biggest hurdles. When I sink into the land of “if only,” when I focus on how many facebook fans I don’t have — instead of the ones that I do, when I covet photographers who seem like they have it all, when I wish my business was this famous, or my brand was this cute, or my work was this amazing.

Comparison IS the thief of joy. And it deteriorates the GOOD… creativity, passion, and uniqueness. In comparing my work, my success, and even my life to others’, I’m spoiling what I do have by desiring what I don’t. It’s neglecting where I’ve come from and how I’ve been blessed. And ohhhhh, have I been blessed. I’ve taken the opportunity to step back and examine what I love about this industry and every time it all seems to point to one major thing… I LOVE (in all caps) the people. I love the support, the friendliness, and the openness that this community offers.

Here’s the thing, compliments, blog comments, or a pat on the back build me UP! And I’m not gonna lie, when I get sweet comments from all of you I DO HAPPY DANCES. Yes, your words have that powerful of an impact on me! And I really really want to spread the love to those around me. Because imagine the impact my words can have on others… have I ever said anything so thoughtful to a photographer that THEY’VE done a happy dance too? I hope!

Or let’s look at it on a larger scale, how have my words impacted my friends? My family? The lady at the checkout counter? If words are so powerful, what am I waiting for?!

I want to encourage one another and build each other up just as God designed fellowship to look like. I want to make someone’s day by letting them know that I love their latest work, that I swung by their blog today, or that they mean something to me. Will you join me in spreading the love? :)