I used to think I had to be THE BEST at everything and if I wasn't THE BEST, I should just quit. In my world, especially as a child, I was known as "The little girl with the big voice." It was like I was somehow otherworldly. Something like that, put on a kid’s shoulders is hard to carry around and live up to. It becomes your identity and you wonder, "If I'm not singing in the studio or on tour entertaining someone, who am I?"

I began to wonder a few years ago, "Who am I really?" and "What are my passions outside of music?" It’s kind of a funny question to ask yourself in your late 20's, but I had done nothing else my whole life but sing. Stepping outside of my box and doing things I may not be "the best" at, or that came effortlessly to me was terrifying. It was so terrifying at times, that I just wouldn't try in fear that I would embarrass myself. I really was too concerned about what others thought and not concerned enough about my soul's journey.

I began to start jumping in head first and just saying "Screw it," but not without debilitating fear still buried deep within. I started to act a bit, something that I'd been trying to do for years, but was afraid I'd be judged if I was anything but "genius." I began to realize that if I didn't just do it and begin to learn from every experience, I was never going to get better. Now, I'm so proud of myself! For the most part the nerves are gone when I walk on any set and I'm very proud of my work. I walk away with more confidence each and every time, and I have a new found passion.

I accidentally stumbled upon photography by downloading an Instagram app on my iPhone. I saw I had a decent eye for photo composition. Eddie bought me a professional camera for a wedding gift and I now walk around with it strapped to me. I make a ton of mistakes, but I take a lot of cool photos and capture memories for our family. Photography is now another passion I've stumbled upon just by letting go of fear and my perfectionism. It's been a very freeing past couple of years and I'm becoming a much more well-rounded, relaxed person.

I've always said my biggest fear is fear itself. It's held me back, but I refuse to let it hold me captive any longer. I am having a blast with my new blog. I love being able to share my thoughts and my life in hope that my words will touch someone, maybe inspire or help in some way. I have found the courage to really speak about who I, LeAnn, the person, really goes through. So these words aren't coming from "LeAnn Rimes" the entertainer.

Thank you all for allowing me to be me, and for reading my thoughts and stories. Here's to finding our passions, loving ourselves enough to give ourselves the permission to fail without embarrassment and to living our most fulfilling life.