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 normal as this may be to decide on such occasions for our scrapbooking projects, sometimes we miss out on an experience to use our creative outlet to express our thoughts and feelings about those challenging moments in our lives that are uncontrollable.
When we stop and think about the pain we have suffered, 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 pain instead of embracing them to search for the hidden treasures that are often overlooked.
Shortly after the birth of my second baby, I was diagnosed with severe post-partum depression. My difficult marriage that was riddled with chaos was coming to an end. The circumstances that led me to the place of complete hopelessness were overwhelming at best. As part of my recovery, I began to write down my thoughts and feelings about each event that happened. What began as an venture to sort through the pain, evolved into a complete visual display 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 patterned paper and just the right stamping and embellishments gave each painful memory a sense of validation. It was like putting 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 express myself this way and to have a visual memorial 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 rests on the shelf in my office, waiting for moments, sometimes through tears, when I need a reminder of where I’ve been to truly appreciate where I am today.
