Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Smith. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sarah, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.
I came from a background of being severely bullied and made fun of by a lot of people for many different reasons. Starting from when I was in elementary school, I always made friends with the people who no one else would associate with, I never dressed like the popular kids, and my grandfather was Santa Clause (seriously, really and truly!). When I was still in elementary school, the negativity given to me by others really got me down. I didn’t want to go to school even though I was in advanced classes and excelled in academics. I just couldn’t seem to fit in no matter how hard I tried. When I was in 5th grade, my teacher noticed that I was always down on myself and took me aside and got me to realize that being unique, kind and smart were my superpowers, not my weaknesses. I started seeing myself in a very different light!
As I got older, into high school, I really found myself as far as style and direction. I read a quote by Mark Twain; “I was a-trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself; “Alright then, I’ll go to hell””` I decided then that, yes, I’m the weird girl! I began really dressing in the Goth style and completely focusing in on my musical and photography interests. I no longer cared what others thought as long as I felt like I was doing the right thing for my path in life. Like Dolly Parton said, “if you want a rainbow, you have to put up with a little rain!”
I became a special needs mom right out of high school, having my oldest daughter and all the stigma that comes with having a special needs child solidified the philosophy I had adopted in my younger years. You have to go down the path that’s right for you, not the one everyone else expects you to take!
I went through an abusive relationship and lost my own voice for many years. It took having my youngest daughter for me to finally stand up and get my voice back. I learned that love is not bending yourself to the other person’s ideal, love is being each other’s equal and best friend and communicating above all else.
Fast forward to myself now, at almost 42 years old. I WANT to be different from everyone else! I’d rather someone direct their negativity at me instead of someone who can’t handle it. I know now that the hateful things people say are a reflection of themselves, something is messed up in THEM not ME! And I’ll always take the time to counsel anyone that will listen on that fact.
Confidence comes when you truly love yourself and give yourself the grace to make mistakes. We’re human, not perfect. This life is about learning as you go and once you know better, you can do better. Unfortunately, there is more negativity in the world than we realize. And if we focus on putting positive things into it as much as we possibly can, we really CAN change the world. Maybe not the entire world, but our little part of it will become better and it WILL grow from there!
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m a photographer in Louisville, KY. I specialize in taking photos of events, nature and special needs families. I love to show the different view I have on life through my photos, be it odd angles or extreme close ups, or showing the absolute beauty in the people who often don’t feel beautiful or overlooked by society. I call myself a professional photographer, but I rarely charge for my portrait work because I believe everyone deserves to see how beautiful they are and most of the people I photograph cannot afford a professional photo shoot. Photography is just my passion, I rise in the morning because I get to do it and I go to bed planning the next photography adventure. I cannot live without it!
I’ve been trying to work out a broader avenue where I combine nature excursions and portrait photography for those less fortunate that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to see certain places due to their financial situations or physical limitations, it’s a dream in progress at the moment.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Kindness is the best quality, always understand that people are not exactly like you! They come from many different backgrounds and didn’t live the life you have and they probably see the world through different colored glasses. Choose kindness instead of hatred for those different than yourself.
Do not be afraid to learn new things. If you’re interested in something, learn about it! Don’t be afraid to look it up or pick up a book or find a group of people with the same interests as you. Don’t let other people define what they think you should be!
If you know you’re doing the “right thing”, have no fear. Fear is your enemy. Step past the fear and into the light and nothing can stop you from fulfilling your dreams!
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I’ve learned to stop and collect myself. I’ll play some music and let it take me away from the situation for a little while so I can come back to it with a fresh perspective and a new determination to focus on the task at hand. Life is stressful no matter what sometimes (especially if you’re a special needs mom!), but it’s only temporary. The good times will come around again, life runs in seasons.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/Moongoddess_photography
- Facebook: HTTPS://www.facebook.com/MamaWolf1351
Image Credits
Sarah Smith aka MoonGoddess Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
