inspired
Last month we celebrated women’s history month, and it got me thinking about the past, present, and future women who wanted and are wanting to live for something more. Before you read any further, know this: I don’t have any lavish awards to label me as a “somebody,” but I am a somebody and so are you! Whether someone identifies you as an influencer or not, YOUR dream and your influence matters.
Hey, y’all! My name is Stephanie Richmond, and I’m the Founder of Truth Inspired LLC. My company was created on the principle to help others live and lead an inspired life while connecting tangible items to a cause that is making a difference. I have had the privilege of learning from some of the most influential women that have walked this earth, some of which left house and family to face fear head on to make a difference in hard to live places in the world.
Corrie Ten Boom is one of those women I’ve only had the privilege of learning from through her books. While battling Nazi persecution, she lived out these words she later shared with the world, “Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.”
It is said that “In resisting Nazi persecution, Ten Boom acted in concert with her religious beliefs, her family experience, and the Dutch resistance. Her defiance led to imprisonment, internment in a concentration camp, and loss of family members who died from maltreatment while in German custody.”
What are some of the fears you have faced or are facing? While each of us experiences different types of fears, no matter how big or small they may seem, I believe we should talk about them. Did you know that the Bible tells us not to be afraid or do not fear 365 times? Yeah, me neither! I was surprised, too. God emphasizes the importance of you and me knowing that He has not given either of us a spirit of fear. Fear stifles our progress. Fear attempts to drown our joy. How beautiful is it that overcoming our fears helps us to move one step closer to fulfilling our dreams.
“Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear.”
When asked this question, the advice that I give to women about following their dreams is to simply go for it—take action! Inaction will certainly produce results but not the kind of results you want. So much opportunity lies on the other side of fear! One of my best tips about overcoming fear is to transform it. Take the necessary steps forward to truly think about what is stopping you. Combatting your obstacles can be achieved by jotting down your fears on paper and then creating actionable steps. It really is that simple IF you take action. Your fears will then transform into action. Action will then produce results. Results will weave a new pattern of living. It’s in living where we can truly make a difference and leave a legacy behind. Don’t allow fear to cripple your pursuit of that!
When I was thinking about starting Truth Inspired LLC, I was faced with numerous fears. Here are some of the fears that I wrote down:
Which fears are you writing down? Do any of these sound familiar? Have you allowed any of these fears to define you?
There are so many broken pieces that we have allowed to define us–abuse, weight, career choices, illnesses, limitations, relationships, and so much more. On the flip side, while our following or the dollar amount in our bank account can certainly boost our self-esteem, our confidence and power don’t lie in these things either. It lies in our thought-life. What we think is ultimately who we are becoming. What kind of woman do you want to become? Think about these things!
Write them down next to the fears you’re jotting down.
Here’s what I jotted down next to my fears:
When I wanted to launch my own company, the floodgates opened wide and fast allowing doubt to come rushing in. Putting pen to paper and outlining my fears showed me what I needed to do to make my dreams become more of a reality. Naturally, I began to reflect on what I wanted my dreams to accomplish, who I wanted to become, and more importantly, who I wanted to help. While I’m still chasing my dreams, step by step, I see my confidence growing. Fear is diminishing.
“Be strong and courageous!”
Joshua 1:9
When my company sold our first item, and I heard about the impact it made on one of our customer’s life story, it encouraged my belief in facing fears head-on. Also, in reminding others about their worth, I was reminded about my dreams being worth tackling the doubt. The following quote is from one of our customers. For privacy reasons, we withheld their names.
While we want to give back so much more than we already have, when we wrote our first business check to the first nonprofit we are partnered with, the small steps didn’t seem so small after all. The organization we partner with for our Treasured Heart Collection, Pivot, said the following:
No matter how long it takes to get to where you want to be, there are so many sprouts to celebrate along the way. Let’s start by celebrating the choice to kick fear square in the face.
One of the things I enjoy most about anything I learn to create is taking what I learn and teaching it to others. Empowered people empower people, right? Now, you not only have the option to order these floating glitter pens directly from my shop, but you also have the option to create them yourself if you so desire! I highly encourage it because they’re SO MUCH FUN to make and to write with.
Last month we celebrated women’s history month, and it got me thinking about the past, present, and future women who wanted and are wanting to live for something more. Before you read any further, know this: I don’t have any lavish awards to label me as a “somebody,” but I am a somebody and so are you! Whether someone identifies you as an influencer or not, YOUR dream and your influence matters.