These days–for reasons that I don’t care to get into–I know that on some level I’m supposed to be preoccupied with my “brand”. I’ve tried picking a photo of myself and sticking it on every social media site that I own. However, lately something’s come over me.

I don’t want the life that I live to be all about me.

…This feeling has come at an interesting time. In spite of this sudden desire for modesty, lately I feel as though I’ve been learning to truly appreciate myself.

Yet not too long ago I was looking at one of my pics. And I couldn’t stand seeing it.

I know what I look like. My friends have seen me before.

Maybe it was the shot.

Who knows?

But there’s a fine line between subtle self-promotion and being self-serving. And I intend to figure it out.

Screenshot Source

I think a friend of mine is going to attend with her gorgeous dog, Lily. I, for one, have taken the plunge and have launched a virtual campaign. I’ve only got a few days, but I figure every little bit is worth it.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals needs donations. As their site says, the OSPCA is

one of the largest, most responsive animal welfare organizations in the country, providing care and shelter for tens of thousands of animals every year.

Yet they don’t receive funding for some of their most critical services.

If you can help me help them, my fundraising page is right over HERE.

This video truly inspired me. We need to keep considering the realities behind what we’re fed.

As Ms. Russell showed her audience the contrast between “Magazine Cameron” and “Real Life Cameron”, I was stunned. I know publications use young(er) models. But hearing about the industry from someone in it really haunted me.

How many times have I been concerned about my body’s dimensions–all because I’ve compared them to someone who was half my age?

Her words also left me afraid. I found myself hoping that men’s magazines don’t use underage models.

That may sound like a silly fear to you. But honestly…I figure if presenting high-schoolers in images meant for adult eyes is the norm in women’s magazines, then anything is possible.

If you’re curious about Cameron Russell’s adventures beyond the world of modelling, she has a Twitter account. She’s also one of the brilliant minds behind Interrupt Magazine.

So if you’ll pardon me, I’m going to ramble for a second.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1

I love that text. It makes sense to me. And not only because I’m on “Team Jesus”.

Earlier this afternoon I came upon a tweet from Savor the Success featuring this article:

You Already Have What It Takes

I encourage you to click. But if you don’t, the gist of the story is that you needn’t wait to get started on your dreams, your business…your bliss.

It’s like the title says. You already have what it takes to begin.

No ego-stroking intended. It’s the truth.

So what’s faith got to do with this?

I think starting without everything being 100% is exactly where it fits. God (or whatever you call your higher power) gave us the tools to start…WHATEVER it is that’s been in our hearts. He gifted us with our passions. And our desire to use them.

Never mind what’s down the road. We can drive ourselves crazy trying to comprehend unknowns.

And in fact, thinking too much about them can be paralyzing.

What matters right now is that you have the nerve to get going as is.

The challenge, in life, lies in finding the courage…Or FAITH…To persevere.

That’s what turning dreams into reality is all about. You start out with a vision of success involving the things you love. And then take the steps to make them come true.

Right now that’s what I’m running on. Faith. I have no sight. No end product to hold up and say, “See? My hard work is going to result in…THIS.”

I don’t know what’s going to happen. But whatever it is, I expect only good things.

…is more singing.” — Ella Fitzgerald

I found this on my favorite loc board today. I figure a few of you could use some inspiration.

My hair and I are in a weird place right now. I love it. But my locs aren’t exactly looking or behaving the way I want them to. In my head, on one hand I’m going, “Yay, dreadlocks!!”

Meanwhile, I can’t help but thinking about the future. I’ve got a list of improvements that I’d like to see.

*exhales*

Patience…

The entire time that I was listening, I thought, “Hey…”

Everything old is cool again.