Hi everybody! Last month, we explored how self-talk, what you say, out loud or to yourself, shapes your understanding of your own strength. This month, we’re talking about INDEPENDENCE – not the red, white and blue kind, but the YOU kind!
We crave our independence, but want to love and be loved. Can we have the best of both worlds? Our new design team explored just that and more this month with our INDEPENDENCE kit, using fashion-inspired images to fiercely strut our stuff and stitch together the future we want, and birds on a wire, for the bravery and poise we show as we find our footing, move from one part of life to another, and take off into the world.
Our mission at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out is to empower women and girls to express themselves authentically and honestly using our craft. Life, especially for women, can be a balancing act…a delicate dance between power and vulnerability, freedom and restraint, autonomy and blissful communion.
Do you feel the tension between holding on and letting go? Our DT does!
Design Team Coordinator Melissa Elsner loves her independence, but wouldn’t mind finding Mr. Right, either!
Laura Croft, like many of us, struggles with financial independence and, while she’s fortunate to be able to rely on her family, would love to be truly in control of her own purse strings…
Jamie Long’s dream and fear are the same…that her son will one day grow tall, strong and NOT need her. I think every mom can relate.
Mette Kallander has only one of her three children left at home and is on her way to being an ‘empty-nester’. She’s so proud of her kids, but they’ll always be her babies.
Pamela Palmarini knows that freedom is needed for her daughter to become the strong woman she’s meant to be, but like a lot of moms, is torn between wanting her to be safe, and wanting her to soar.
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!
Is there a part of life where you struggle with independence or merging…holding on or letting go?
Leave a comment here and tell me about your experience of independence, and you’ll be entered to win the INDEPENDENCE 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? Registration is open for our premiere boutique in-person weekend retreat: CRAFT: Creating Reflective Art for Transformation, on the sand in Santa Monica, CA, November 11-13. Learn more!
My experience is I am TOO independent and don’t often know how to ask for help – drives my dh crazy and he’s always saying “you just had to ask……”
My 18 year old daughter has been chronically ill for the past 5 years and I am currently struggling with her natural desire to be independent. I am so proud of her strength and courage and I trust her to do what’s right for her but her health and limitations are my constant worry.
I have returned to part time work after a year and a half of only volunteering. It is great bringing in a bit of income to the family and having a bit of a career, but I have the commitment to be at work at least 4 half days a week and it comes with less “me” time and having to squeeze things in to a busier week.
I have another one off to school in the fall. I’m happy for him because he is so excited but I’m sad because I know once he starts, life will be a blur.
Well my first taste was going of to college!! I grew up in a small rural town of only 300 people, so when I went to the state university for college it was QUITE a change!! It was a real EYE OPENER!! I really grew up that first year!!
My parents were very suportive and this year are sending of the baby of the family!!
THANKS for the chance to win!! =)
I am also torn with feeling of bringing my daughter to college in one month and just knowing how much I will miss her and worry about her. My first one to fly away!
Independence … hah. Whenever I think about it the same lyrics from Queen pop in my head. You know what I’m talking about …Living on my own
My independence began when i went away to college. My dad gave me a 72 Nova (in 1989)that barely passed the smog test. It required that I learn a lot about this car to keep it functioning for point A to B!
I think that I first felt independent when I got my first job and was able to live on my own and pay for everything myself. I guess I saw glimmers of independence in college or away from my parents on trips. It has been a struggle now because I was laid off from the job that allowed me to feel independent and well I am still trying to regain my life the way I knew it…although I know it is forever changed.
Katie B.
I learned to rely on myself when I got married far too young to a man that never grew up. His immaturity served to help my independence in the long run. I had to work and support our small family all by myself for 5 years of our 7 year marriage. Finally I got smart, I ended our marriage, continued to grow personally, and eventually found a wonderful man. But to this day I know if I need to I am quite capable of getting along all on my own!
Independence means kicking off all conventions – hard work!
I am finding all the dependency issues coming back up as my mother, now a frail 86, needs me, but resists my help. It is like stepping through the looking glass and reprising my teen years. I have begun scrapping about ME and it is helping me sort through who I am NOW…would really love to get the kit to use in that work.
I’m facing this very dilemma myself. After 30+ years of “marriage”, I am ready to call it quits. It’s a very scary situation for me, but needs to happen. After many, many years of emotional abuse, I need to get myself out of this damaging relationship. I’ve never been on my own before and I’m so overwhelmed to think of all the things I will be facing.
DeniseB
I am finally learning to be independent from grieving.
Independence has come slowly for me as I’ve moveed several times and learned that it doesn’t matter what family or friends we leave behind, being with my own little family and stepping out to make new friends will grow me in ways unimaginable.