Simple Scrapper

This is a guest post from team member Lauren Madsen.

One of our themes this month at Simple Scrapper is “life’s big events”. As I have pondered on this topic I have come to a conclusion: many of the big events in my own life that have determined who and where I am today have been actually been difficult trials.

There have been weddings, graduations, births, and holiday celebrations. At the same time there have been health problems, financial struggles, family problems and even deaths. I tend to get excited about scrapping the happy times, the moments when everything seems right with my world.

In the past year or so I have re-evaluated and decided that there are some important reasons for me to tackle the tough stuff in my scrapbook pages as well. Below are three reasons I want to share about why I now scrap ALL the big events.

1. It provides a more complete picture of life.

When I read the journals of my ancestors, I feel a strong connection with them as I read about their struggles. There is something empowering about knowing that not only did they go through trying times, but they made it through them. The good times make for wonderful reading experiences too, but my point is that I want to know what life was like and that includes the times when life was hard.

2. It allows me to acknowledge the trial and then move on.

I guess when it comes down to it, documenting the tough stuff is therapy for me. I am able to look back, reflect a while, and then face the future. Maybe this reason doesn’t ring true for everyone, but in my case the therapeutic aspect can’t be understated.

3. It creates an opportunity to share what I learned.

In the past few years life didn’t go as planned for my little family. I would bet that many of us come to a point where we ask ourselves, How did I get here? This wasn’t the plan.  The truth is the things that kept me from getting me where I wanted to go actually taught me lessons I wouldn’t have learned any other way. And as it turns out I am actually incredibly grateful for those tough times and the lessons learned. Sharing those lessons with my children and grandchildren seems like a good way to show that gratitude.

I think it’s important for me to point out that I don’t usually document the tough stuff right as it’s happening, or even right after for that matter. It takes some time for me to be in a place where I am emotionally ready. Almost two years went by before I was ready to document the events surrounding my second pregnancy and move. Sometimes distance and a little courage will make the difference. 

Editor’s Note: Have you shared Lauren’s experience of finding meaning and personal revelation from scrapbooking the tough stuff? Leave a comment sharing your perspective.

Layout Credits: April 2013 Simple Scrapper Premium Membership Template, My Sibling My Friend Kit by Jady Day Studio, Alpha from Storyteller Collab Kit by Scrap Orchard, Recycle Bin Alpha by Julie Billingsley Design

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