Taking care of myself doesn’t mean “me first”….

….It means “me too”.

Just a daily reminder that it is not selfish to take time for yourself when you need it.

When we take time to rest, it enables us to come back stronger and make a bigger impact to those around us.

How are you making time for yourself today?

Can I let you girls in on a little secret? 🤫🙉‼️

Behind the scenes for the last several months, I have been working on a VERY exciting new project for all you ladies out there!!

But up until now, it’s been TOP SECRET.

2020 has definitely brought all sorts of surprises that I never saw coming. (Can I get an AMEN?!) 👏

One of those several surprises came in the form of creating my own product that I am SOOO excited to share with YOU!

I have teamed up with @schneewayofficial to DESIGN and MANUFACTURE my own original DRESS which incorporates my love for both fashion AND music. 🎤👗

This has been such a fun journey so far, and I am so thrilled to let you all in on the ride!

👉 My design is still in progress, so if you want to follow my journey and stay updated on when it is available, click the link below…

⬇️⬇️⬇️
www.julianalane.com/the-dress

✨ PLUS — as a THANK YOU, I’ll throw in a BRAND NEW SONG from my upcoming album that has not even released yet. 💿🎧

This dress is being made with you women in mind. Can’t wait to share this all with you. 💕

Writing songs is a lot like journaling… just with music. 🎵 I remember when I wrote my first song at 11 years old. (Wow that was a long time ago lol!)

At that young age, I didn’t realize how much guilt I was carrying around. Both my siblings were dealing with severe medical issues, so they needed a lot more attention. People constantly compared us all.

I was the “healthy kid” because I didn’t have genetic disorders and allergies to everything.

“Wow, you’re lucky.”

“So you’re the normal one.”

My sister weighed an unhealthy 65 pounds as a teen until she was properly diagnosed and treated. People said I was “big” compared to her, even though I was at a perfectly healthy and normal weight.

After years of hearing the same things over and over from everybody, I had so many unprocessed emotions that had to be addressed.

When my parents bought me my first keyboard, I just loved that thing to pieces! (Shout out to my favorite keyboard brand @casio_us for being awesome!)

I stayed up in my bedroom for HOURS and HOURS just writing about life and what I was feeling. In fact, I didn’t realize the half of what I was really feeling until I could write it on paper and understand where I was at emotionally.

Certain songs that I write feel so transparent and personal that it almost feels like I’m posting a diary entry. And sometimes that can feel scary.

But I realized that there’s always someone out there that needs to hear the message and the story that you have to offer. Someone out there gets it.

I’ve found that being transparent helps you to realize that you are never alone. It brings clarity to exactly what you are feeling and how you can heal from past hurts.

I think that’s what I love most about writing music. For me, it starts the conversation on dealing with hurt, overcoming it, and reaching out to those around you who are still working through those tough emotions.

That’s the reason I write. I want people to see that in the middle of every struggle, no matter how big or small, God sees you. He loves you. He is waiting for you with arms wide open.

Overbooked and out of breath, I hate to take another step backwards. Overbooked and out of breath, so I, so I only run faster. 🏃‍♀️

Behind the song…
“Overbooked and Out of Breath”
(Click here to listen)

I wrote this song because we live in a culture that feels so incredibly demanding of our time.

Contrary to popular belief… you cannot be everything to everyone all of the time.

Sometimes it’s hard to recognize when you are burning out.

Or worse — you recognize the fact, but choose to ignore it completely.

Sometimes instead of pausing and taking time to refresh, we only run faster and push ourselves harder, thinking the stress will go away on its own.

If you feel like you’re living in a constant state of stress and overwhelm, maybe it’s time to evaluate the things that take up the most time and energy in your life.

“It’s okay to say NO. You’re saying YES to SOMETHING ELSE.”

This is literally my mantra ALL. THE. TIME.

Please never underestimate the time you need to slow down and rest in the Lord.

There are times I have been guilty of feeling “too busy” to make that time for myself, but when I do….

It makes a whole world of difference.

Slow things down for a minute and focus on the people and things that really matter most.

Overbooked and out of breath, I hate to take another step backwards. Overbooked and out of breath, so I, so I only run faster. 🏃‍♀️

Behind the song…
“Overbooked and Out of Breath”
(Click here to listen)

I wrote this song because we live in a culture that feels so incredibly demanding of our time.

Contrary to popular belief… you cannot be everything to everyone all of the time.

Sometimes it’s hard to recognize when you are burning out.

Or worse — you recognize the fact, but choose to ignore it completely.

Sometimes instead of pausing and taking time to refresh, we only run faster and push ourselves harder, thinking the stress will go away on its own.

If you feel like you’re living in a constant state of stress and overwhelm, maybe it’s time to evaluate the things that take up the most time and energy in your life.

“It’s okay to say NO. You’re saying YES to SOMETHING ELSE.”

This is literally my mantra ALL. THE. TIME.

Please never underestimate the time you need to slow down and rest in the Lord.

There are times I have been guilty of feeling “too busy” to make that time for myself, but when I do….

It makes a whole world of difference.

Slow things down for a minute and focus on the people and things that really matter most.

I know firsthand it’s hard to create time for self-care when you feel super busy. Everything feels like a priority EXCEPT you. I often struggle so much with saying no to things, especially as a majorly extroverted ENFP & Enneagram Type 7. 🤣

Making time for other people is a big deal for me. I wanna show up for the people I love and be there to support them.

As I’m getting older, I’m (in the process of) learning that taking time to rest and rejuvenate actually enables me to show up BETTER for the people in my life.

Maybe it looks like that nap you needed. Maybe it’s painting your nails and baking cookies (like I did today)! Maybe it’s a bubble bath. Maybe it’s just taking a little time to simply be.

Whatever it is, go do it! Your future self will thank you for it. 💛💛

I know firsthand it’s hard to create time for self-care when you feel super busy. Everything feels like a priority EXCEPT you. I often struggle so much with saying no to things, especially as a majorly extroverted ENFP & Enneagram Type 7. 🤣

Making time for other people is a big deal for me. I wanna show up for the people I love and be there to support them.

As I’m getting older, I’m (in the process of) learning that taking time to rest and rejuvenate actually enables me to show up BETTER for the people in my life.

Maybe it looks like that nap you needed. Maybe it’s painting your nails and baking cookies (like I did today)! Maybe it’s a bubble bath. Maybe it’s just taking a little time to simply be.

Whatever it is, go do it! Your future self will thank you for it. 💛💛

Looking back at 2019.

2019 was a big year for me, and a lot of things changed. I’m the kind of person that’s always looking ahead to the next thing, like 2020! But I wanted to take a moment to look back on all of the wonderful things that happened over the last 12 months.

In January, I started my job as the worship leader at my church. It’s been one of my dreams to end up in a ministry position like this, especially one that involves music! I love serving Christ in this way.

In February, Mom and I got to take the most amazing trip to Nashville, TN. (And it was just the two of us!) As a singer/songwriter, I had been dying to go for foreverrrrrrrr…. So when our business conference was in Nashville, we were definitely going to go.

We learned SO much at the conference. Entrepreneurship is so awesome, and my mom and I have met so many amazing people who are doing the same thing we are. I never thought I would love business so much, but it’s quickly become a huge area of interest for me this year. We’re still learning a lot, but I’m loving the journey.

I actually quit my part-time job a few months ago so I could focus on my position at church, my own music career, and helping my mom with her business, schneeway.com

Speaking of music, I’ve been spending some of my days in the studio this year! It’s so fun to watch all of these songs come together. I literally cannot wait until this releases! This record is so different from my first, and I am so in love with all of its jazziness!

And of course, this year would not be complete without talking about the wedding!!! I LOVE being Josh’s wife! We got engaged on Christmas Eve in 2017, so it had been a long wait. (Although the days really do fly by in the end!)

It amazes me how many details go into planning a wedding. It’s fun, stressful, and highly emotional at times, but it all makes for priceless memories. Somehow, it all comes together in the end.

The wedding day itself? BEST. DAY. EVER.

It’s awesome to walk down the aisle surrounded by everyone you love, to go get married to the man you love. So much love, haha!

Once we were married, I thought it would be a huge adjustment to not live at home anymore. It surprised me how natural married life felt right away.

Josh and I share lots of laughs, and I’m so glad we get to spend everyday together. It’s hard to believe we’ve been married over six months now. It’s gone by so fast, but we both have learned so much.

June 22 was definitely the best day of them all.

2019, you’ve been a great year. Here’s to the next!

~ Mrs. Lane

Looking back at 2019.

2019 was a big year for me, and a lot of things changed. I’m the kind of person that’s always looking ahead to the next thing, like 2020! But I wanted to take a moment to look back on all of the wonderful things that happened over the last 12 months.

In January, I started my job as the worship leader at my church. It’s been one of my dreams to end up in a ministry position like this, especially one that involves music! I love serving Christ in this way.

In February, Mom and I got to take the most amazing trip to Nashville, TN. (And it was just the two of us!) As a singer/songwriter, I had been dying to go for foreverrrrrrrr…. So when our business conference was in Nashville, we were definitely going to go.

We learned SO much at the conference. Entrepreneurship is so awesome, and my mom and I have met so many amazing people who are doing the same thing we are. I never thought I would love business so much, but it’s quickly become a huge area of interest for me this year. We’re still learning a lot, but I’m loving the journey.

I actually quit my part-time job a few months ago so I could focus on my position at church, my own music career, and helping my mom with her business, schneeway.com

Speaking of music, I’ve been spending some of my days in the studio this year! It’s so fun to watch all of these songs come together. I literally cannot wait until this releases! This record is so different from my first, and I am so in love with all of its jazziness!

And of course, this year would not be complete without talking about the wedding!!! I LOVE being Josh’s wife! We got engaged on Christmas Eve in 2017, so it had been a long wait. (Although the days really do fly by in the end!)

It amazes me how many details go into planning a wedding. It’s fun, stressful, and highly emotional at times, but it all makes for priceless memories. Somehow, it all comes together in the end.

The wedding day itself? BEST. DAY. EVER.

It’s awesome to walk down the aisle surrounded by everyone you love, to go get married to the man you love. So much love, haha!

Once we were married, I thought it would be a huge adjustment to not live at home anymore. It surprised me how natural married life felt right away.

Josh and I share lots of laughs, and I’m so glad we get to spend everyday together. It’s hard to believe we’ve been married over six months now. It’s gone by so fast, but we both have learned so much.

June 22 was definitely the best day of them all.

2019, you’ve been a great year. Here’s to the next!

~ Mrs. Lane

Kindness is a choice. Will you choose it?

“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭4:2–3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You can hear nothing but encouragement, yet it is the harsh words that replay over and over in your head.

You can receive nothing but affirmation, and still doubt.

You can feel uplifted by many, and quickly pulled down by one.

Words: They are powerful. They have the power to uplift someone or tear them down. The sad thing is, with as powerful as our words are, we use them quickly and rashly, and sometimes without much forethought.

We live in a reactive culture. If something upsets us, we must make our voice known. If we disagree, we start a Facebook comment war. We passionately fight battles hiding behind screens, while seemingly, making no real change at all.

We are constantly reacting to what life throws at us. Maybe we can live intentionally instead of reactively.

Maybe someone is hurting and needs to hear an encouraging word today. Let’s be quicker to encourage and faster to love. The world has enough negativity; We don’t need it from each other.

“Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Let’s start the conversation. What are some great ways to encourage one another?

Today, I intentionally choose… to be kind.

Today, I intentionally choose… to make a difference.

Today, I intentionally choose… to build someone up.

Today, I intentionally choose… to not let my emotions dictate my response.

Today, I intentionally choose… to show grace to someone who doesn’t deserve it.

Grab a coffee together. Send that encouragement note. Make that phone call. Whatever it is… go do it!

We are the light in a dark and broken world, and the more we reflect our Savior, the brighter that light shines.

When you extend grace where it is undeserved… your light shines.

When you love someone who is difficult to love… your light shines.

When you are kind to someone you disagree with… your light shines.

And when your light shines… people can’t help but notice it.

“Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” — Mark Twain

“For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:9–11‬ ‭NLT‬‬