Gratituesday: the ups and downs

I have been thinking a lot lately about this journey I'm on of becoming a business owner as well as defining who I am as an artist. Sometimes I get lost on my way and I forget who I really am at the root of it all: I am a follower of Christ. To me, that is the most important thing. When I get distracted, I get distraught. I become overcritical... I don't like my work. I don't like my attitude. I don't like my selfish nature. Recently I have been experiencing some ups and downs both emotionally and in my work and relationships. I believe it is all reflective of my spiritual health. That said, I love it when life whips me into shape. When things happen that force me to get my act together. It's usually during these times that I have revelations about my work as well as the motivation to take action against my negativity. Because then I have more room in my heart for joy. Today... today I have joy. Despite the circumstances and the discouragement I am experiencing.

Today... I am grateful for the ups and downs of life. That I have such a range of emotions going through my heart and mind that I am never bored. That the ups and downs continue to teach me about myself, as well as help me explore who I am as an artist. But most importantly, that the ups and downs force me to remember what is most important in my life and that is knowing who I am in God's eyes. I am beautiful, I am perfect, and I am good.

And so are you.

(me, Easter 2010, taken by my dad)

Liz Cook

Liz Cook is a wedding, birth, and motherhood photographer based in Central Virginia. Her intuition and creative perspective allow her to connect both professionally and personally with her subjects, and thus, her portfolio is saturated with authentic emotion. Whether she's sharing her story with fellow entrepreneurs or enjoying quality time with her husband and two daughters, Liz is both present and passionate about capturing and celebrating life. Her work has been featured by O "Oprah" Magazine, The Huffington Post, The Glitter Guide, Essence Magazine, domino, Rue Magazine, among others.