Tag: christian women

Entrepreneurship/

Grace Over Guilt: 12 Questions to Help You Keep Boundaries in Business

When I started my copywriting and brand storytelling business, I wasn’t great at setting or maintaining boundaries. I’d let people book meetings with me at any time during the week and I’d find myself working on tasks that weren’t initially part of our agreement. But over time, I learned the importance of guarding my calendar, making sure that everyone stuck to the outlined scope of work – and that my communication methods were clearly understood.

These days, any meetings on my calendar can only be on Tuesday-Thursday between the hours of 11-5. Why? Because I need my mornings to focus on my best writing and strategy work. And let’s be real, who likes Monday meetings anyway? As for Fridays, I like to reserve those for working on my marketing content and admin tasks for my business, online magazine, and personal brand.

Entrepreneurship can be challenging, but it’s even more difficult without healthy boundaries. Trust in God’s plan for your business and prioritize your well-being along the way.

Now, setting boundaries isn’t always easy, especially when it comes to guilt. And if you’re a people-pleaser, it’s natural to feel guilty when saying no or setting boundaries. However, it’s important to let go of those feelings and remember that you’re not being selfish, you’re prioritizing your own needs. This is exactly why I want to help you get through this with these questions. I’d highly recommend grabbing a notebook to journal out the answers.

Inviting the Holy Spirit your boundary-setting process

  • What does it mean for you to invite the Holy Spirit into your work as an entrepreneur?
  • How do you currently incorporate prayer and discernment into your business decisions?
  • In what ways do you feel the Holy Spirit has already guided you in your business, and how can you lean on that guidance in your boundary-setting process?
  • What specific boundaries do you need to set right now, and how can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you discern what those boundaries should be?

Letting go of guilt 

  • Have you ever received pushback from clients or team members when setting boundaries in your business?
  • What specific boundaries did you set that made you feel guilty, and why?
  • How did those guilty feelings impact your sense of self-worth, and what truths from the Bible can you draw on to counteract those feelings?
  • What steps can you take to let go of guilt when setting boundaries in the future?

Prioritizing rest in your business 

  • What does rest look like for you, and how can you include more rest into your daily and weekly routines?
  • What specific boundaries do you need to set to prioritize rest, such as scheduling regular days off or setting boundaries around work hours?
  • What tasks or responsibilities can you delegate or outsource to make more time for rest?
  • How can you communicate your boundaries around rest to your clients or team members, and how can you reinforce those boundaries when they’re challenged?

Don’t let the fear of disappointing others keep you from setting boundaries in your business. Your time and energy are precious, and you deserve to use them in ways that bring you joy and fulfillment!

Hopefully, these questions are helpful for you to reflect on. And listen, please note that you’re having boundaries isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of strength and self-care. Also, remember that it’s not a one-time event.

Setting and maintaining boundaries takes practice, patience, and self-awareness to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in your business. And get this? When you prioritize your own well-being, you’ll be better equipped to serve others and make an impact with the gifts God has given you.

Entrepreneurship/

Rising Above: Conquering Comparison and Envy as a Christian Creative

We all know that the entrepreneurial journey can be tough, but it can be especially challenging when we compare ourselves to others and fall into the trap of envy.

But as a Christian woman, you have the power to rise above these negative thoughts and emotions and embrace your unique path. Here are some practical tips to help you deal with comparison and envy in your entrepreneurial journey:

1. Lean on your faith. Remember that you are a child of God and that He has a special plan and purpose for your life.

  • Start each day by reading a short devotional or scripture that focuses on your identity in Christ and the love that God has for you.
  • Turn to prayer when you feel overwhelmed by comparison and envy. Ask God to give you peace and to help you trust in His plan for your life.
  • Surround yourself with supportive Christian friends and family members who will encourage you and lift you up.

2. Celebrate your unique qualities and gifts. You have been blessed with unique qualities and gifts that make you who you are.

  • Make a list of your strengths and the qualities that make you unique. Reflect on these regularly and embrace your individuality.
  • Celebrate your successes and accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Allow yourself to feel proud of your hard work and dedication.
  • Focus on your own journey and what you’re doing, rather than comparing yourself to others.

3. Practice gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, it helps us shift our perspective away from negative thoughts and situations.

  • Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for and express gratitude. Start a gratitude journal where you can write down three things you’re thankful for each day.
  • Practice mindfulness and being present in the moment. Pay attention to the little things in life that bring you joy and contentment.
  • Make an effort to express gratitude to those in your life who bring you joy and happiness. This could be sending a thank you note, a text message, or simply telling them in person.

4. Seek support. Building resilience is easier when you have a supportive community.

  • Consider seeking out a mentor or accountability partner who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement.
  • Look for someone who has experience in your industry or has faced similar challenges in their entrepreneurial journey.
  • Join a support group or community of like-minded Christian women entrepreneurs. Connect with others who are on the same journey and can offer encouragement and support.

5. Embrace your uniqueness. Embrace your unique qualities and gifts, and trust in the path that God has for you.

  • Embrace your passions and the things that bring you joy and fulfillment. Allow your creativity to flourish and make time for the things that bring you happiness.
  • Take time to reflect on your values and what’s important to you. Embrace your beliefs and make choices that align with your values.
  • Trust in God’s plan for your life. Remember that He has a special purpose and plan for you, and that everything happens for a reason. Embrace the journey and trust that it will lead you exactly where you’re meant to be.

So, my dear sisters in faith, embrace your journey and celebrate your uniqueness. You are a masterpiece created by God, and there is no one like you. Embrace your gifts and trust in His plan for your life and watch as He blesses you beyond your wildest dreams.

Entrepreneurship/

5 Ways to Overcome Challenges in Your Entrepreneurial Journey

As women of faith, we know the power of relying on our Lord and Savior to guide us in our journey. But even with the support of our faith, it’s easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed when faced with challenges and setbacks in our entrepreneurial journey. That’s why it’s important to build resilience – the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and bounce back stronger.

Here are some practical tips to help you build resilience and overcome challenges in your entrepreneurial journey:

Lean on your faith. The foundation of resilience is having a strong faith and trust in God. Make time every day to connect with your faith through reading scripture, prayer, and surround yourself with supportive people who will lift you up and encourage you.

Celebrate your wins. No matter how small, it’s important to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments. This will help boost your confidence and motivation and give you the strength to keep pushing forward.

Focus on gratitude. When we focus on the blessings in our lives, it helps us shift our perspective away from negative thoughts and situations. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for and express gratitude.

Seek support. Building resilience is easier when you have a supportive community. Consider seeking out a mentor or accountability partner who can offer guidance, support, and encouragement. Surround yourself with people who will lift you up and cheer you on.

Take care of yourself. Resilience requires a strong mind and body, so it’s important to prioritize self-care. Make sure you’re taking care of your physical, mental, and emotional health by eating well, exercising, taking breaks, and getting enough sleep.

By incorporating these tips into your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll be building resilience and bouncing back from challenges with grace and determination. Remember, with faith, self-care, and a growth mindset, you can overcome anything that comes your way.

Now, keep shining and never give up on your dreams.

Faith/

A Letter to My 15-Year-Old Self on My 35th Birthday

Dear Danielle,

Some things will never change…

You still love to cozy up with a GOOD book, journal, and pen. These have always been your go-to’s for either learning something new or dumping your thoughts out onto paper.

These days, you’ve added coffee or tea into the mix.

But you know what’s really changed?

Your faith in the Lord. While it’s always been strong, it’s stronger than you’d ever imagined. I recently picked up a journal that you kept while you were in the 10th grade – and OMG! You were so bold and brave in your faith.

During that same year, your dad left this earth. That was the first time you met grief. It was such a tough time. It left you incredibly sad for most of your junior and senior years.

But you made it through – with the help of God’s unchanging hand and your mom.

Speaking of your mom, while year 35 is exciting to embark on, she’s missing on this earth too now, right along with your dad.

But I’m so proud of you because you’re harvesting the seeds they planted inside of you. I believe they’re sincerely proud of the 30’s version of their daughter.

You’re continuously bold in your faith, keen on boundaries, and taking care of yourself every day – so that you can show up to operate in your God-given purpose.

Speaking of purpose, you probably thought you’d be a TV reporter forever, right?

Nope. Do you remember those days – in between cheerleading practice, where you spent dreaming of being a writer too…

Well, guess what?

You have an entire copywriting and storytelling business. You’ve literally taken your passion for writing and skills from TV news – and packaged it up to serve other people who want to stand out in business.

You’re amazing!

Not only that, but you’re also generously serving other Christian women through your digital magazine, blog, and podcast. You’re making an impact and serving in a way that brings you so much joy. You also wrote about this in your journal back in the day.

Since those teenage years – you’ve had a continuous growth mindset and heart of gratitude.

Danielle, you’re so brave! And you may be small, but you’re so mighty!

Again, you’re amazing!

May you have a blessed and beautiful 35th birthday!

Want more insights from Danielle about how to show up boldly in business and everyday life as a Christian woman creative?
Subscribe to her official email list where you’ll receive weekly letters in your inbox. 
Click here to subscribe to Danielle’s official email list. 
Faith/

Trying to Find Your Purpose? Check Out This Book

Last year, my heart was filled with joy when one of my clients mailed me a gift of appreciation.

It included a refreshing face mask and an incredible book to read.

The book was “Dare to Bloom: Trusting God Through Painful Endings and New Beginnings” by Zim Flores.

It’s such a page-turner. More importantly, it’s a book about literally trusting God through everything.

Throughout the book, Zim recounts her experiences of REALLY stepping outside of her comfort zone and trusting God along the way.

I love Zim’s wisdom about navigating new beginnings.

I’m sure you can relate. Sometimes, fear can get the best of us in different seasons. This book is also a perfect read to reflect on reclaiming your true identity in Christ.

While nearly every page I read, has tons of yellow highlights, this is one of my favorite quotes inside of the book:

“Purpose doesn’t end once we find it; rather, purpose is something that continues to unfold and evolve throughout our lives.” – Zim Flores 

At the end of each chapter, you’ll find questions for reflection.

By the way, the photos inside the book are beautiful!

I hope you’ll check it out. If you do, pop in the comments here and let me know. 

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