Let’s talk about it - You know I love to keep it transparent here, and honestly, lately, I’ve been feeling pretty unmotivated and discouraged in my work. Things have slowed down, with fewer inquiries and shoots coming my way. It’s tough because those shoots bring so much meaning, connection, and beauty to what I do. When they dwindle, it can feel incredibly lonely. I’ve realized that when I tie my identity too closely to my work, it can lead to feelings of worthlessness during these slow seasons. I start to question my value based on the number of shoots or the engagement on my posts, losing sight of who I truly am. But I’ve been learning that my soul needs this slowness right now, and it’s actually an art to learn how to love it. Instead of sulking or beating myself up for this uncontrollable and annual winter season, I’m trying to lean into it. I want to work on my spirit and cultivate beauty in the mundane. I’m beginning to understand that my identity isn’t rooted in my work but in the image I was created in. It’s all too easy to compare myself to others, to get discouraged by views, or to feel frustrated by minimal engagement on my posts. But I hear the Lord saying that this season is for tilling and growing my spirit rather than focusing solely on my work, and I’m choosing to trust in that. I wanted to share why I’ve been less active lately and to give you a glimpse into the ebb and flow of what I do. Thank you all for being patient and for being active in my life, for caring not just about my work but about the person behind it. I love you all and truly appreciate the beauty of sharing this journey with you! 🫶🏻 — Em