Why am I telling you this?

Because I know how powerful it is when someone invites you into their real story—not just their highlights.

When I hear friends share where they truly are—the hard, the good, the messy—it opens up space for me to reflect on my own life. It deepens relationships. It sparks growth.

And my hope is that by sharing where I am, it’ll do the same for you.

Personally: Learning to Let Go of Worry

Right now, personally, I’m recognizing something I haven’t fully faced before:

I have let worry and fear drive way too many of my decisions.

And it’s exhausting!

A conversation this past summer stuck with me: a friend told me….

“Worrying is like “putting a down payment on something you don’t even want to own one day.”

That visual hit me so deeply.

I’ve lived through devastating loss—the loss of our son, James—and because of that, my mind sometimes runs to the worst-case scenario as a way of bracing myself for more pain. But the truth is, worry doesn’t protect me.

It doesn’t shield me from hurt.

It only steals peace from the present.

Worry adds nothing to my life—just like the Bible says.

If anything, it takes away joy, connection, and trust.

So in this season, I’m learning to stop making down payments on pain that might not even come.

I’m choosing surrender instead of spiraling.

I’m choosing trust over mental rehearsal of tragedy.

And honestly? It feels like a new level of emotional maturity being unlocked.

Professionally: A Full Circle Moment Behind the Camera

Professionally, this week brought something so sweet: I had the chance to photograph a family I’ve loved for years.

I first photographed their engagement session when Evy was in my belly—and now, she’s eight years old, and I introduced her to them at the session! (It was one of those surreal “how is time even real?” moments.)

Since their wedding, I’ve photographed every pregnancy and milestone for this sweet family. 

And this session, while challenging (hello, 30 mph winds and chilly temps!), reminded me why I love what I do.

We had an incredible location at Mayhurst Estate and the images were just stunning!

You’ll actually get to see this session inside KJ All Access, my monthly behind-the-scenes membership where thousands of photographers learn by watching real sessions unfold in real time. (If you’re not inside yet, you can join here for just $29/month and it’s packed with learning and inspiration!)

Despite the crazy weather, we captured images I’m so proud of—and it was just another reminder of the relationships and stories that make this work so worth it.

Spiritually: Craving Consistency (and Knowing Where to Find It)

Spiritually, I’m realizing how much I miss the seasons where my rhythms with the Lord felt consistent and healthy.

Right now? I’m surviving, not thriving.

I’m still working through the Bible Recap plan with Michael (reading through the Bible chronologically), but it’s been harder to keep up.

Why?

Because work has been full.

Because our schedule has been packed.

Because I’ve let urgency steal from intimacy.

But here’s the connection I can’t ignore:

When I drift spiritually, I spiral mentally.

And if I’m serious about overcoming worry and choosing trust, I have to prioritize time with the Lord.

Not just when I’m desperate.

Not just when I’m overwhelmed.

But as my foundation—every single day.

This realization isn’t a guilt trip. It’s an invitation.

God isn’t demanding perfection from me—He’s offering peace.

And I’m craving it more than ever.

Everything Is Connected

As I’ve reflected on all of this, something is so clear:

Personally, professionally, spiritually—it’s all interconnected.

When my work life is frantic, my spiritual life struggles.

When my spiritual life wavers, my personal emotional health follows.

When I’m grounded spiritually, everything else finds its rightful place.

This is why the work of growing a healthy business isn’t just about marketing or booking clients.

It’s about growing into a healthy person—a business owner who thrives from the inside out.

It’s why I created KJ Business Builders—a membership for entrepreneurs who want to build not just profitable businesses, but purposeful, personal brands that are rooted in health, honesty, and strategy.

Because who you are behind the scenes is the business you’re building.

Where I Am This Week: In a Good Place (Even If It’s Busy)

Overall, it’s a full season.

Busy, yes.

Stretching, yes.

But honestly? It’s good.

And I’m grateful to be able to share the behind-the-scenes moments with you—the messy ones, the growing ones, and the beautiful ones.

Thanks for reading this week’s Where I Am update! If anything in this post sparked something in you, I’d love to hear—where are you this week?