Work it Wednesday: Do these business cards make me look legit?

First of all, my previous blog I prepared has disappeared. I don't know how. Anyway, now you're stuck with this. Hopefully I remembered something as I recap this...

So, I ordered business cards this week.
So what, right? Everyone has business cards.
Well, I don't. And I haven't. Here are a few reasons:

1. As far as photography goes: I have mostly worked for a company or just done it on the side when people request and I can squeeze it in. Because I don't live in the constant world of "I am a professional photographer", I have downplayed my legitimacy to myself. Sure, I'll take your photos. Yes, I love it! But my full time job is: __________. 
2. While there were many great things about the full time job I had the past 5 years, it wasn't very creative. It was very task driven, organizational and stressful. And it wasn't very people engaged. All those things sucked the inspiration and legitimacy out of me.
3. At this point, photography isn't my full time sole focus. So, should I really spend money on business cards? Do people really want me to take their photos? Am I good enough? Etc.

But, my new business cards are on their way. Here's why this is a big deal:

1. The Comparison Trap. Despite how easy it is to compare myself to others and feel less awesome, I have a skill and passion for this. I have something to offer. Am I the best photographer out there? No. Am I able to capture life and preserve memories for people in a way they (some people) will love? I think so!
2. Full time = the real deal. I've told myself that since photography isn't my all out own goal in this stage of life, I shouldn't order cards or feel official. However, I've been doing this for a long time. I love it. And while I have some other avenues of passion, this one is a big one and I want to say yes fully, even though that doesn't mean full time. 
3. Show up & Say yes. My passion and gift for photography really is a blessing to me. While I know I cannot always give it away, I know I can offer what I can. In this season I have set my prices lower than recommended after processing and encouragement from my husband. I am committed to people mattering and having the opportunity of beautiful portraits. I do not at all mean that expensive photographers don't feel this. This just means that for me personally, in this season of reengaging with creativity & people, I am open to where I can say yes and the opportunities provided. More on what this means and looks like in a future post..  
4. Opportunity. This isn't just about photography. I have a lot of things I am passion about, dreaming about, exploring. I don't know where God will lead and what will rise to the top yet. But, I do know that I can keep denying myself the thought that I have something to offer OR I can see where opportunity leads. For me, that looks like allowing myself to know I have something to give. And while business cards by no means make me legit, they encourage me to stop denying and start saying yes. I struggle with this because I don't want this to sound like I think I am awesome or to encourage the need for people to "make something of themselves" because of the image of what "everyone" else does (hello truth behind socalitybarbie). But all that to say I am going to show up and see what happens. Little by little.

So, what have you been denying? Is there a nudge or a dream or even a small opportunity? What small yes allows you to show up in a small yet significant way?

Maybe it's not all or nothing. I am a fan of "Let's say yes fully and see what happens".

Maybe it's not fake it 'til you make it.  I am a fan of "Let's be real... it's a process."