When we plan our scrapbooking, often times we think of albums that focus on holidays, weddings, births and special events in our lives that we want to preserve. These are days that bring smiles to our faces and laughter to our hearts. As natural as this may be to choose such occasions for our scrapbooking projects, sometimes we miss out on a chance to use our creative outlet to express our thoughts and feelings about those challenging moments in our lives that are unavoidable.
When we stop and think about the pain we have gone through, whether through the loss of a loved one or any other traumatic event, these are all part of what shapes us into the people we have become. So often we choose to hide our hurts instead of embracing them to discover the hidden treasures that are often overlooked.
Shortly after the birth of my second baby, I was diagnosed with severe post-partum depression. My stormy marriage that was riddled with chaos was coming to an end. The circumstances that led me to the place of complete desolation were overwhelming at best. As part of my recovery, I began to record my thoughts and feelings about each event that took place. What began as an venture to sort through the pain, evolved into a whole visible exhibit of raw emotion and the spiritual journey that accompanied my experiences. Although not your typical scrapbook album, it is one that played a vital role for me in finding peace and healing.
Composing it all together with photographs, carefully selected scrapbook paper and just the right stamping and embellishments gave each painful recollection a sense of validation. It was like lifting a mirror up to my injured heart and saying, 'Yes, that is what I felt. Right or wrong, good or bad. These emotions are mine.' To be able to openly disclose myself this way and to have a visual reminder has made it easier to let go of the pain, forgive and move toward healing.
My scrapbook album, titled 'A Journey Through Life's Challenges' does not sit on my coffee table out on display. Instead, it sits on the shelf in my office, waiting for instances, sometimes through tears, when I need a reminder of where I've been to truly appreciate where I am today.
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About the Author:
Michelle Schmidt makes it easy to create beautiful scrapbooks, quickly & easily. Learn essential keys to fantastic page layouts with out-of-the-box
scrapbook projects at
Pixelpaintpapers.com
