Meet Shelbie Todd

We recently connected with Shelbie Todd and have shared our conversation below.

Shelbie , thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
I think we consume so much inspiration everyday while we scroll online, it can sometimes be overwhelming. I use Pinterest a lot to spark creativity and build inspiration boards, but the important part is giving ourselves space to step back and put that inspo to work. It’s an ebb and flow. I’m most creative when I give myself the time and space to play – if that’s with graphic design or even just sitting down to color with the kids.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Growing up I never knew what I wanted to be. It felt like everyone around me had a plan, and I was just winging it. One thing I always felt deep in my bones? I wanted to live my life fully. Whatever I was called to do, I longed for meaning and purpose.

I have lived what feels like multiple lifetimes before today. I’ve been a waitress, a bank teller, an extra in a movie, a data reporting specialist, secretary of the school parent committee, a model, a public speaker. I’ve even been stuck at sea on a cruise ship running away from a hurricane. Nothing has brought me so much thrill, excitement, and purpose as being a mother to my four beautiful children.

Almost nine years ago I started a blog when I was diagnosed with epilepsy. This was such a scary and unknown time in my life. Having a space to write about what I was going through was so therapeutic! Over time I started writing more about my life – motherhood and activities I was doing with the family.

I’m so grateful to share, today I am almost 8 years seizure free and running my blog full time. I show up daily on social media with inspiration and encouragement through the realities of motherhood. If you’re looking for the best chocolate chip cookie recipe or daily encouragement to keep going – you’re in the right place.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
This is such a great reflection. I would not be where I am today without: blind faith, consistency, and the ability to just go with the flow and ride the next wave.

I think when showing up and creating an audience on social media you have to be consistent. Sometimes it can feel like you’re talking to the void, you question if anyone is even listening. It’s important to keep showing up even when you wonder, “is this even worth it?” If it’s worth it to you – that’s all that matters. Your people will come.

So many times in my life I wasn’t sure how I would make ends meet. Heck, I’m still in that place. Have you seen the price of groceries? Working freelance comes with that starving artist lifestyle. Having that blind faith that the next big thing for me is right around the corner lets me show up daily from a place of faith over fear.

Be down for the ride! The easier you can ride the wave and let things flow- the more fun you will have, and the farther you will go.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
I started my blogging carrier very self deprecating. I would cower when complimented. I’m not 100% cured of this mindset today, but sooo much better! I absolutely loved reading You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero. It’s such a great book to revisit when I need to get out of my own head. It’s so easy to be our own worst enemy, to get in our own way, fill our head with doubt. It can be so much harder to accept the truth of how incredible we truly are. When we can let go of our self destructive mindset, it’s only up from there.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Family photo @crowsnestphotography

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Portraits of Resilience

Sometimes just seeing resilience can change out mindset and unlock our own resilience. That’s our

Productivity
Perspectives on Staying Creative

We’re beyond fortunate to have built a community of some of the most creative artists,

Confidence
Kicking Imposter Syndrome to the Curb

This is the year to kick the pesky imposter syndrome to the curb and move