When we plan our scrapbooking, often times we think of layouts that focus on births, weddings, holidays 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 unpleasant moments in our lives that are inevitable.
When we stop and think about the pain we have gone through, whether through physical injury or any other traumatic event, these are all part of what forms us into the people we have become. So often we choose to disguise our pain instead of embracing them to find the hidden treasures that are often overlooked.
Immediately after the birth of my second child, I was diagnosed with severe post-partum depression. My stormy marriage that was filled with chaos was coming to an end. The occasions that led me to the place of complete desolation were overwhelming at best. As part of my recovery, I began to write down my thoughts and feelings about each event that occured. What began as an struggle to sort through the pain, developed into a whole visual expression of raw emotion and the spiritual journey that accompanied my experiences. Although not your usual scrapbook album, it is one that played a considerable role for me in finding peace and healing.
Compiling it all together with photographs, carefully selected scrapbook paper and just the right stamping and embellishments gave each painful memory a sense of validity. It was like placing a mirror up to my wounded heart and saying, 'Yes, that is what I felt. Right or wrong, good or bad. These emotions are mine.' To be able to openly expose 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 bookshelf in my office, waiting for times, sometimes through tears, when I need a reminder of where I've been to truly appreciate where I am today.
------------------
About the Author:
Michelle Schmidt is a professional scrapbook designer who teaches others how to use their computer to create great layouts. For more scrapbooking tips , visit her site at www.pixelpaintpapers.com .
Was this article helpful to you? Leave a Public Comment or
Question:
This Article has been viewed 126
times.
Article added to SearchWarp.com on Friday, November 09, 2007 View other articles written by Michelle Schmidt(84)
If you found this article interesting, you may want to check out:
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
