Don't let the Grinch steal who you are

While 2020 was hard, 2021 has still been hard for many. I have felt it, too. It kinda felt at times things were stolen away from us - just like the Grinch stole from Whoville. 

This past year, I have seen many friends contemplating quitting their jobs and callings, and are in crisis and at risk of burnout.

People are also suffering and not faring well in multiple categories of well-being, including spiritual, physical, emotional, vocational, and financial.

Again, 2021 has been a hard year.

Yet one of my saving graces has been photography. Because for me it has meant allowing me to see outside my circumstances and seeing people and the world with new eyes. New perspectives. 

I was listening to a fellow photographer the other day, and she challenged others to describe in 5 words the work they want to produce. I chose: ancestral, cinematic, enduring, emotional, life-giving. As I want my work to be authentic storytelling, with those whom I capture to surrender to the moment and be fully themselves, realizing they are More Than Enough.

And I have realized this year that the Grinch, others, or the world can’t steal anything away from me unless I let them. Because just like in the storybook How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, despite the Grinch trying to steal Christmas away from the Whos, Christmas came anyway. Because it wasn’t really about the decorations, presents, or food. It was more than anything that could ever be found in a store. Much more.

So friends, have hope this season. And hold tight to the things that speak to you and the work and world you want to create—because those should be the things no one can steal from you.

And remember, you are More Than Enough.

Merry Christmas.

Love,

Kara