All In: Choosing Growth Over Comfort
Images were captured in Gatlinburg, TN.
“Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
— Ginni Rometty
Disclaimer: I am not professional of any sort, I do not give “professional” or “medical” advice, my blogs are simply my religious beliefs, biblical devotions, and personal opinions.
All In: Choosing Growth Over Comfort
I’m just me.
If you know me, you already know there isn’t just one version of me. Depending on the moment, you might catch me quiet (rare), observant (common), witty and different, or loud and full of energy. Every version shows up in its own time, but all of them are unapologetically me.
I’ve always been outspoken, with very little filter between my thoughts and my words. For years, “damage control” was practically my second language—not because I wanted to be unkind, but because my words slipped out before they were softened or processed. Even when my mouth stayed quiet, my eyebrows spoke for me. The wrinkle between them has told more truths than I probably should admit.
In getting to know someone, one of the hardest questions people ask is: “What’s your greatest strength?” For me, it’s simple. My strength is that I don’t bend easily to the crowd. I walk to the beat of my own drum. If something needs to be said, I’ll say it. If I want to do it, i’ll do it without seeking approval. If I love what I’m doing, that’s what matters most.
So, if you ever see me out with some odd expression on my face, don’t let it fool you. Beneath the raised brows and quirky personality, I’m probably the most approachable person you’ll meet. I’ll be honest— I dont have a lot of patience for non-sense. But, you’ll know when that begins to bother me. My right brow will tell you first…
Now, let’s talk about something besides me.
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to go “all in” on something. Maybe for you it’s a career change. Maybe it’s opening your own business. Maybe it’s simply a lifestyle shift. Whatever it is, it’s intimidating, right? In my opinion, it’s downright scary. Because growth doesn’t come from comfort zones—you have to place yourself in a vulnerable spot in order to grow from it.
Photography isn’t new for me. I’ve been behind the camera for years. But I’ve also taken breaks—not because I lost passion, but because I needed to decide if it was really for me. Running a creative business “on the side” is harder than it looks from the outside.
What you don’t see are the late nights of editing, after bedtime stories are read and my child is asleep, so I don’t miss the moments that matter. You don’t see the hours spent creating quality content in a world where creativity is everywhere and excellence is expected. You don’t see the way I pour myself into the art—not just to give my clients images, but to give them emotion they can feel. Behind the scenes are financial investments in cameras, software, travel, props, lighting—and the most valuable thing of all: time away from family.
So I had to ask myself the question I think we all should: Is this worth going all in for?
For me, after much reflection, the answer is yes. But here’s the catch—I realized it had to become personal this time. Real change always does. Until you take it personally, until you decide it matters enough to give your whole self, the transformation never really begins.
And it’s not just about photography—it’s about life. Trying to live each day better than the last is hard work. The enemy senses it, and that’s when he goes to work too.
But here’s the encouragement: don’t let the devil intrude on your purpose. Don’t let him convince you that you aren’t strong enough, capable enough, or worthy enough. Stand firm in God’s Word. As Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
So whatever it is for you—your career, your calling, your family, your faith—decide if it’s worth going all in for. And when you do, give it everything you’ve got. Growth comes in the stretching, and God’s strength will meet you there.