The first time I ever went to a blogging conference…
…I led with an apology.
I was just starting out and my blog was so small and I wasn’t established and I didn’t really have a following and I didn’t really know anyone and I felt like I didn’t fit in.
And so?
I apologized for my blog.
I apologized for my photographs.
I apologized for my social media.
I apologized for my writing.
I apologized that I didn’t really know that much about starting a blog.
And on and on and on.
And I when I finished my apology tour, I was left with one simple question.
Why?
Why?
Why did I let others’ perceptions define me?
Why did I let others make me feel small?
Why did I allow other people to get in my head and define who I was and what I thought of me, myself and I?
Why?
I was just starting out. I was just beginning. I was just learning.
But here’s the thing.
I was still amazing.
Truly.
I still had a heart and a vision and a love of writing and goals and hopes and dreams and mountains yet to climb.
Yes.
It’s true.
There were plenty of people in front of me.
But what I didn’t realize in the middle of all my “I’m sorries.”
What I overlooked…
….is that there were plenty of people who never even started.
I learned so much that first year of blogging.
I learned that putting yourself out there is scary.
I learned that the first step is the hardest.
I learned never, ever, ever to compare your first chapters to someone else’s finished novel.
I learned that you have to find your amazing—the thing that makes you special and unique and incredible and wonderful and celebrate it.
And I learned never to apologize for where I am on the journey.
Ever.
Ever.
Ever.
I never want anyone else to feel what I felt on that long ago journey.
I never want anyone to ever feel less than.
So today I want my heart to speak to yours.
No matter if you are a blogger or a writer or a photographer or an empty nester or a mother or a listener or a learner or a business owner or a sister or a friend or a creative.
If someone else has put you down. If someone else has made you feel small. If someone else has told you that you can’t.
Don’t listen.
Instead? Hear this.
You are special.
You are amazing.
You are incredible.
Your sparkle is so bright that Pluto and Neptune are putting their shades on.
Never doubt yourself.
Never wonder if you are enough.
Never let others take away your sparkle.
And never, ever, EVER apologize for where you are…
…on your journey.
PS If you are wondering where this post came from and what made me write it and why I started climbing on my no-apology soapbox? I was getting ready for the workshop tomorrow and writing out all our curriculum and I was so inspired and full of joy that I wanted to share.
PPS For everyone who won’t be with us tomorrow at The Inspire Workshop, my wonderful friend from Life Beautifully Designed created this FREE downloadable for all of you.
You can download the printable here for FREE.
A lovely message, Karianne! I was getting ready to message you and ask if you could provide your inspirational message as a Free download... When, there it was!! Thank - you so much. I'm always downloading free images, etc., as I place them in a picture frame as part of my seasonal decor.
Tears! Great timing on this post. Although I’m not a blogger, it’s still relates to daily life and work relationships. Love you, mean it! Keep up the good work. ♥️
Love.It. and Thanks for sharing! Have a great time with new and old friends at your workshop. I'll be the one waiting to hear the funny stories and all the in-betweens!
This is such a truth! Thank you, Karianne! I'm going to print, frame and hang your quote where I can see ans read it to remind myself every day.
You are so incredible for writing something so inspiring and beautiful. ❤️
Beautiful! Thank you for saying that. Love you!!!
Devine intervention from you this morning! Today, I am taking a bold step on my journey and I have been worried. So your words inspired me! Thank you!
I. Love. This. Post. So very powerful. Thank you.
I was so moved that I shared a link to this post on my Speech Therapy FB page. I find it is applicable to all of us regardless of our occupations.
Thank you, Rockstar!!
Thank you for speaking directly to my heart!!!! I can’t wait to see you tomorrow!! Hugs, Kendal
I needed to be reminded of this today, hugs and go get em girl!
This hit me where I live. The timing couldn't have been better. I sell vintage. I sell at vintage markets and pop ups. I even ventured out and held my own vintage market based on a concept everyone was talking about, but wouldn't do. It went surprisingly well! But now I find myself questioning my worth in the vintage selling world I live in. There seems to be a specific direction everyone is going in and I'm not following it. It's not me. It's now what I love. It's now what I know and can speak for hours on. I spent last night messaging a friend who's doing well. A specific trend has caught her up in it's path and she's doing well. She listened while I said I feel so lost. I don't fit in certain shows anymore. I feel like our group of vintage selling friends are not even talking with me, in different. When we were done, I realized I need to stay true to my heart, stick with what I love, and I'll be the one standing out. I'll be different. And God will hold me up till this time comes. Thanks for you words, perfect timing.
Barbara, I'm butting in here to tell you that not everyone is in love with what you see everywhere right now. Do your own thing girl!
You are so amazing! I look forward to reading your blogs every day. Your love of writing is very evident and I love your designs. And - you're right - the only ones who fail are the ones who never start. Keep that sparkle sparkling, girl!
I'm completely done apologizing unless of course, I am wrong about something. I think women tend to apologize for everything under the sun. We all just need to stop it. Have a great weekend. Lisa
Barbara, I'm butting in here to tell you that not everyone is in love with what you see everywhere right now. Do your own thing girl!
Thank you for this. Someday you will know how much you have blessed me. God sent this through you to me today. Have a beautiful class and weekend.
Thank you for this! Oh how I wish I could see you tomorrow, or any other day!! I just love you so very much!!! xoxoxo
It's so easy to let other people define you, but I've found that usually it's their own insecurities that are really at play. You've learned a great lesson-to believe in yourself and to love yourself. Kari, your heart is enormous. I know that you want everyone to discover the true meaning of life. When you love yourself, it's so easy to love others. Have a great week-end. God bless you.
Girl you just know how to encourage!! Can not wait for tomorrow! How many times have I said that? :)
I feel like it is no coincidence at all that this quote would be on your heart when I needed it most! Needed this all week. All week. You inspire me every day!!
Thank you so much for this this morning Karianne <3 I struggle with this big time and my husband always reminds me that it's a learning process and to focus on how far I've come instead of how far I want to go. It's so true to remember that the biggest hurdle in everything is just to take that leap and start. Thanks for your inspiration today! :)
Bless you, sweetie. Always Miss Encouragement! Seeing your meme reminded me that I sent you one like it: You've got this! So that's my encouragement to you today! ❤
Such a great reminder! It's easy to get sidetracked with numbers and such and not really focus on the good we are doing! Thanks for the reminders.
Karianne, can you please go on an encouraging tour? You would sell out to crowds everywhere! I am so glad you have your blog because we all need a good dose of you! Thanks for being you!
Wow. This really touched me Karianne. You don’t know how much this was needed. I will share this with my daughter as well, she really needs these beautiful words of affirmation. Thank you.
I think we have all been there--in the apology, I-feel-less-than mode. You have hit the nail on the head--when your brain starts going down that path, you have to just say "stop" to yourself. And to maybe realize that you are your own harshest critic!
I've had those thoughts most of my life as a creative. Finally realized my journey had value, where I was on that journey had value, and learning has value. It's ok to take the chance and fail. It is all learning and the opportunity to learn new things. Never wasted unless you don't do anything. Preach it sister!
You always know what to say! Keeps bringing me back for more.
How do you know just what to write on just the day I need it most? You are amazing, you are! I so wanted to sign up for the Inspire Workshop, but I am one of those who has not "started", and I thought I would just take up valuable space, but I so wanted to come sit at your cozy table and listen, I would have even brought some of my much requested Kahlua Brownies! Thank you again Karianne for your wonderful blog and inspiration.
Just what I needed today. Thanks for hitting it right on the point. I love your blogs and books.
Marvelous! Thank you!
It amazes me how someone can post exactly what I need to learn at the exact time I need to learn it. Yes!! you are amazing. thank you so much for this post. Nonie
Good to hear this from you! I've been overwhelmed and disjointed this week. I refocused on the One that has me in this blogging adventure, and He was faithful, as always! You are amazing, too!
Tomorrow you will shine during your first Inspire Workshop....just as you did at your first blogging conference so long ago. Keep shining your light.
So much for me to glean and grow from post, but as I read your words this morning, I was not thinking of my own journey, but of the application to my 2nd grade granddaughter. No, she is not starting a blog, but her life journey led her this week to a cruel comment from a classmate – a couple of words that told her she was ‘less than’. She was crushed and confused. When I saw her yesterday, her natural sparkle seemed somewhat diminished. Your words of encouragement today sum up beautifully just the sentiments we have been trying to re-enforce in her heart and mind these past few days. With your permission, I am going to put together a ‘Daily Confession’ for her, using your post as my template. I’ll have to tweak a bit to fit. And for my sweet little one at this time, I’ll say, ‘Never apologize for how beautiful God has made you!’ Thank you so much, KariAnne, for so transparently sharing your journey and encouraging others along the way. Your heart has spoken to my heart to day.
Great message. It made me think of Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Karianne, you have a kind heart and a sense of understanding that makes you so lovable and helps others relate so well to you. Maybe comparing oneself to others is just human nature. I especially liked what you said about comparing your first chapter to someone else’s finished novel. We just need to love ourselves and improve on ourselves at our own rate. Best of luck at your workshop!
I really wish I was co Omg and O love your messsge. Are you doing another inspire? I hope you’ll go to my website and subscribe.
Thank you for sharing the message, the design and the introduction to Life Beautifully Designed.
Love the post!!! Thank you for the encouragement printable!!!! I’m going to try and start my paper crafts again, just need the courage to get ale that first step.
Thank you.Thank you.Thank you. I’m so grateful for your honesty and positivity. I have literally changed the way I view myself,my blog and what talent God has given me. I so appreciate you!
Oh, KariAnne, you’ve ALWAYS been a rockstar!
KariAnne, Have a fantastic first The Inspired Workshop. You are an original Rockstar who nurtures little new Rockstars wherever you go. Tomorrow is your day to shine that Rockstar light on those who will be there. Judith
This has been a difficult year for me. I'm rethinking things. Thank you, thank you, thank you, for the encouragement. BIG hug!!
You are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I always remember the quote from The Help- "You is kind. You is smart. You is important." Apply as needed!
What Laura said, “we all need a good dose of Karianne” , such an inspiration everyday. Love the free printable too! xo Pat
Very sweet and so true! And you know, I’ve found that OTHER people rarely are thinking those things- it’s all ME and my inner voice. So it’s important to have your fan club who supports you no matter what- to speak the truth and not what your crazy mind tries to throw at you. Thank you!
Karianne, your words are so inspiring! I just apologized for less than perfect photos today. Thanks for your reminder that we are awesome no matter where we are on our journey. Love your printable!
This is lovely. I sent it to someone who just retired and is starting another journey, unsure where to go next. I hope this inspires her as it did me.
Good Morning KariAnne, You are such an inspiration and I hope and know you know that!!! Your willingness to share your knowledge and experience is above and beyond what anyone could ever expect. I am so thankful for your message about "Never Apologize for Where You are in the Journey!" I have been working on a website for over two years to sell product and do a little blogging and it has gone no where. I suppose I am afraid to take that major jump and I believe you have given me the inspiration to begin working on my website again!!! I recently went back to work in retail and I am not happy. I don't have a life anymore. I can do this. I know I can!! Thank you so much for your words of inspiration. I wish I could have set at your table yesterday. I always look forward to your blogs and since going back to work I have not been reading them like I was. I will be reading them girl!!! You are a rock star and I love you!!
Thank you for the reminder. We are all special in our own way and we each have something to contribute. We are unique and that is a wonderful thing . . . what a boring world if we all had the same talents to share, the same thoughts to share, the same ideas to share . . . if that were the case why share at all. I have been inspired so many times by so many different blogging sisters. I'm happy that I visited today. I needed to hear this:) Have a sweet day! Connie :)
thank you..... simply, thank you
I would love to have coffee, or tea, or even tequila and just hang out... :) ...you are AMAZING!
True words! And YOU are wonderful! And real! A true joy in life! I love you for all that you are!
Yay! Love this post. And my journey has taken me to Texas!! Visiting family and having a blast. No wonder y’all love it here. Heading to Waco tomorrow. ❤️
You are wonderfully amazing. ♥️
KariAnne, you never fail to inspire. Thank you for this message!
I was cleaning out my inbox and found your post that somehow I overlooked. I am not sure if you read comments from old posts but all the same, I want to say Thank you! For your encouraging words For sharing your foibles and laughing at yourself For sharing your family stories For showing up in my inbox like a note from a friend For sparkling so much , it rubs off long distance on people you have never met in person Thank you for being a Rock Star
I needed to read this today. Thank you so much for the much needed reminder to be okay with where and who I am!