Hey everyone! Last month, I posted about using scrapbooking to understand yourself by exploring your relationships with others in your layouts. Today, I’m turning the mirror on YOU!
One way that we help influence scrapbookers to dig deep at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out is by asking them to uncover and reveal the unspoken words, messages and stories that they carry about themselves. Often, we show one face to the world — strong, invincible, and resolute…as a mother, wife, friend or daughter. But underneath, there’s some doubt. Will we accomplish all we set out to do? Are we as powerful as we’d like to believe? Can we realize our greatest dreams and overcome our fears?
This month’s kit and emotion, OPTIMISM, is the kind of theme I love — it allows us to delve into both sides — times when we are beacons of hope for ourselves and others, and times when we need some support — from outside, or from within.
One common theme that arose with our design team this month is ‘self-talk’; what tools, techniques, words and images we share with ourselves to remind us how strong we can be when times are tough.
Design Team Coordinator Melissa Elsner is applying her positive self-talk to her quest for better health — and she’s already seeing the results!
Nancy Doren is learning to remind herself that she is ‘good enough’ and to let go of the unnecessary pressure of reaching for ‘perfection’.
Felecia Krech reminds herself to allow joy to find her — to let it in, instead of only seeing what isn’t there.
Christa Paustenbaugh tells herself the truth, even when it’s hard to believe it — things always work out. They always have, so she’s got a great history to support this important and strengthening idea.
Patty Zimmerman holds onto the belief that she’ll one day find a place to live that will bring her peace and freedom:
Every month we create a kit that uses the freshest supplies along with symbolism that will help you tell your real story. Our industry-exclusive FREE Inspiration Page each month provides you with a multimedia support system – including deep journaling prompts, a music playlist, quotes, photos and evocative challenges to make your tender heart and creative mind and hands flow.
We’ve also got an amazing, deep and real community of women just like you who want to share what truly matters. And with our kits, there are no sneaky add-ons to buy — just the perfect amount of stylish and new paper, beautiful and meaningful embellishments and crazy-good variety!
So what do you tell yourself? Do you find that positive self-talk helps you feel better in difficult situations? Can you soothe yourself by relying on words or images that bring you a sense of peace and hope?
Leave a comment here and tell me about what you tell yourself to boost your own morale when life gets heavy, and you’ll be entered to win the OPTIMISM kit. And do come join us online…we would love to welcome you and join you on your journey. Come on by and Explore Your Inner World!
Rachel Kaufman
P.S. Want to really dig deep? We’re just about to open registration for our premiere boutique in-person weekend retreat: CRAFT: Creating Reflective Art for Transformation, on the sand in Santa Monica, CA this November. Click here to learn more!
I remind myself I am not alone. I am fortunate to have a large family and a good group of close friends. Even if they are part of the reason that life gets “heavy” sometimes, they are still there.
I lean on God and spend more time in His Word. Also, He has blessed me with abundant friends and family that help.
LOL! The opposite of an optimist is a realist. I guess I don’t do enough to pep myself up. There is some comfort is always expecting the worst — you can never be disappointed, only pleasantly surprised.
I guess to I try to get someone to text me pictures of my baby nephew. If I am lucky — I can hug him. He doesn’t hug back, but his head is nice and warm.
What I do to boost my morale when things are down is remember that there are so many good things in the world and try not to dwell so much on all of the bad things. I enjoy being creative with scrapbooking–that helps, too! Wonderful layouts and another awesome kit from Rachel!!!! She has such a knack!Thanks!
I remind myself “it is what it is” and wishing for different is pointless. I try to determine what I can influence or control and most of the time the answer is “I can only manage my reaction”. Generally a positive approach from me leads to a more desirable outcome. Most of what stresses me is dealing with my own humanness and accepting that I am not perfect. Almost always I am the only one who expects perfection out of me! ( Which is probably why I re-read this post 3 times to try an avoid mistake before I submitted it.
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I try to tell myself that This Too Shall Pass when I get overwhelmed, then I try to think of something to look forward to. I also have lots of coffee, listen to great music, and go scrap!
When times get tough, I tend to become more introverted and dwell in whatever is ailing me. So I have to make sure to make the attempt to spend more time with my family, friends, and praying for the strength to make it through that difficult time. Usually that keeps me putting one foot in front of the other until the rough patch is over!
I just moved in to my own apartment. Money has been incredibly tight. Today I got hit with several bills and a passed due statement from my credit card. It turns out ATT has been charging an old credit card while being paid by my bank. And the credit card company didn’t bother telling me there was a bill due. My vacuum broke, my grocery bill was twice what I wanted and my cats have been peeing on the carpet. I had a break down for a bit but then I put on my American Graffiti record (yes, record) and cranked it. Danced around my living room and told myself that life would be better soon. Sure I’m very very broke but I’m on my own and am able to finally be who I really want to be.
Any time things get tough I put on my records and dance like no one can see me.
I talk to my husband or my Mom
Iwent to Melody Ross’ Brave Girl Camp and her “She Did It Anyway” is a perfect affirmation!!!
I tell myself “God is in control, and has never failed me, so why am I not turning to Him now” Then I spend some time in prayer.
When I get down, I just have a little talk with myself to remind me that I can only change things I can control and that there are other’s with more problems than mine.
When I get down and need my morale boosted, I try to lose myself in doing things that feed my creative side….like drawing, painting, crafting, scrapping,and reading.
I try to live by the verse that all things work for the good that love the Lord. When I need some encouragement, I will talk with my husband and he always will help me see the bright side of things.
When my challenges get heavy, I schedule myself and a friend to a scrapbook night at my local scrapbook store. They have scrapyhour and it goes from 4 to 12 midnight and it is kid and husband free! They have two a month and I find that it is worth it.
I like to tell myself that someday I will miss these days of chaos and noise. Helps me to be more appreciative of what I do have to be thankful for. Thanks for another great giveaway!
When one door closes, another door opens…you just have to be brave enough to walk thru it. Often times it will be better than what was behind the first door.
I pray and recall scripture from the Bible that is comforting and encouraging. I look UP and rely on God to help me and put my trust in Him! I remember what is true about God and keep my focus on Him and not on the problem. I remember past times when He has answered prayers yes and has provided in difficult situaions.
When I’m feeling down, I talk it out with my twin sister – it’s cathartic. My twin and I also play the happy game randomly – we just sit down and bounce happy thoughts/memories back and forth.
By the way, love the hot air balloons!
I’ll talk to my husband. Somehow he always gets me on track again.
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I think much like Felecia, I too need to let go of missing the things I don’t have and find happiness in the things I do have. If I spent more time focusing on the positive in my life, it would leave less time for feeling bad about what I think I am missing!
Love the Scrapbooking fronm the Inside Out kits!
Thank you to all of you who posted above…what inspiring and comforting words from all of you! I’m also going through a difficult time, financial stress, physical issues, including chronic pain, migraines, etc. I just filed for disability and I am feeling very defeated…I never though I’d find myself here. BUT! I have to remind myself that this is only a time of transition, and I will (again) recreate myself. And, who knows, maybe this time I’ll find who I want to be when I grow up! *grin*
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i just keep telling myself “you can do this!” … and of course lots of praying too
as a mom of a child with brain cancer, it can be hard sometimes to find that optimistic side. When I find myself thinking about how uncertain the future is, I remind myself to stay in the moment, to enjoy my child now, and scrapbooking is my way of keeping focus on now.
I always tell myself that no matter how bad I think things are, there is someone out there who has it worse. And tomorrow really is another day – things always work out.
love it! my favorite thing to do when things get tough is to do something crazy with my kids… something so funny that we can’t help but laugh out loud.
I engage in self talk when my inner strength is low-I retire to my safe zone and just be-maybe meditate, sleep a little bit, and tell myself that this too shall pass. My mom always said that you can go to bed and everything is better in the morning-and guess what? She was right!! A good nights sleep helps a lot! I also survey the beauty of nature around me and remember that The lilies of the field and birds are cared for and so shall I be cared for.
I try to remember that there are always others that are facing bigger challenges than I am, and that seems to help!
I tell myself that tomorrow is a new day and that this one will soon pass! Thanks for te chance to win!
Don’t sweat the small stuff!
My 9 month old baby has been through so much in her young life — she had sepsis at 1 week, she had congenital heart disease, she was a failure to thrive infant for her first 3 months, she had amoebiasis, she has hypothyroidism, she has liver problems. But she continues to be a happy and joyful baby. Although it hurts me to see her go through all that, I SURRENDER myself to God and trust in His process of molding me.
take a deep breath
I definitely try to boost myself with self-talk–that I can do it with God’s help.
I tell myself it’s OK to do something small for myself, like read a book, sit outside, or scrapbook.
Throughout my life I have always experienced that things happen for a reason….I may not know it at the time, but as I look back I have greater clarity on the purpose for the experience. Still it is hard to remember when you are in the middle of the situation.
I remind myself that a year from now there will be something else that is a major concern and the current worries will be over, or at least different. Years pass so quickly that it makes me realise nothing bad lasts forever.
I’m a “you can do this!” kind of person, particularly with exercise. And once I’ve done something once, I remind myself that if I did it once, I can do it again.
I would be similiar to Nancy…to remind myself that I do have good traits, I don’t have to always carry so much self doubt.
I tell myself that “my mama didn’t raise no wimps!” My mom is a tough lady…loving & caring, but a can-do type-a-woman…she came through a bout of cancer with the attitude that it happened, I’m better, I’m not dwelling so, let’s move on. My youngest son has had 19 surgeries and I’ve tried to keep the same attitude…loving & caring, but not dwelling on the bad times…I think my son has come through it all with a great attitude. He’s just disappointed he didn’t get to have an even 20! (Arghh…kids!)
Optimism! Such a good idea!
I try to remember (and remind myself) that as long as I am doing the most important things, the rest will all work out. A lot of things I wish I could do just don’t get done, but that is life with 5 kids. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything!
I just now got out of hard time in my life. And there were couple of things that helped me. First of all God and secondly my newborn son (thinking of him I always got strength and smile on my face)
Humm well I think the thing I usually say to myself.. is
“the giant that is trying to defeat you only exsist in your head.. pull out a stone, say a prayer and slay him… you can do anything!”
I also tell myself to NOT believe the lies whispered in my ear when I am not expecting them…
About 10 years ago I started having headaches and after 6 months they found 2 cerebral aneurysms. One of the aneurysms started bleeding and so they operated. The doctors said to me & husband “there is worse things than death” trying to prepare us, they didn’t favor the outcome. But I proved them wrong… I awoke and spoke, I walk, I talk, I play with my grand kids, I love to look at the stars at night and stand in the rain… colors are brighter, sounds are crisper, music is amazing! I still have one aneurysm that is growing and I will go blind eventually but for right now I’m okay, life feels so special, and I don’t want to waste it. I still suffer with debilitating pain which caused the loss of my job and my home, my nephew was murdered then my father died. Now don’t get me wrong I suffer greatly from these losses but… I work everyday to hold on to the gifts I received when I woke up that day from the surgery and could look at the stars!
I wanted to thank Christa Paustenbaugh, I saw a number of her pages at another site a few days ago… and I cried, they were so lovely and uplifting. She is a very special person and she is sharing that through her scrapbooking and that is what scrapbooking does for me… the people and the stories they share everyday with me!
I ask myself “How important will this be in 20 years?” – usually that puts things in perspective. As I’ve gotten older and have enough experience under my belt to know that the stuff that bugged me years ago isn’t important to me at all now, I am getting better at letting things go instead of holding the hurt, and of laughing NOW if I know I’ll laugh looking back.
I give myself ‘pep talks’ pretty often. I am not having the best time right now so I pretty much tell myself that I can do this, I will be okay, things will work out, and that I can get through this difficult time in my life. I really liked this post. I have tried to express my emotions through painting. I like the idea of focusing on something positive and journaling about it. Thanks.
Katie B.
When things get heavy, I’m always down for a good comedy to lift my spirits! Thanks for a chance to win!