What are Scrapbooks for the Soul? May 8, 2008

 

From the American Heritage Dictionary and www.Dictionary.com …

scrap·book  (skrāp’bŏŏk’) - noun  a book with blank pages used for the mounting and preserving of pictures, clippings, or other mementos.

soul  [sohl] –noun.   the principle of life, feeling, thought, and action in humans, regarded as a distinct entity separate from the body, and commonly held to be separable in existence from the body; the spiritual part of humans as distinct from the physical part; the emotional part of human nature; the seat of the feelings or sentiments; the inspirer or moving spirit of some action, movement, etc.; deeply felt emotion, as conveyed or expressed by a performer or artist.

 

My purpose for writing is simply to open hearts.  My heart, your heart, all hearts.  An open book of our lives, our deepest passions and dreams, when shared with others, will open hearts.   By sharing my stories and life lessons, I hope to inspire social and spiritual interaction to bring about positive change in the lives of others so they may live in joy, truth and empowerment.    My stories and articles will appeal primarily to women and the men who wish to better understand women. 

 

Drawing from the above definitions, my vision is that Scrapbooks for the Soul are tools (traditional or digital books, blogs or other media) filled with personal stories, lessons, journeys, images, and mementos… bits and pieces of the Self that we choose to save and reflect upon, allowing us to grow and move forward in Life. 

 

I’ve been creating scrapbooks most of my life and teaching others the importance of celebrating their lives and the lives of those they love in scrapbook format for almost 9 years.  As I’ve held workshops with women through these years, I’ve noticed patterns amongst many of the women that I meet and of course, speak from personal experience.  Many women give so much of themselves to the men, children and parents who need them, that they have nothing left for themselves.  When they do give to themselves, guilt and shame knocks at their door.  I’ve witnessed all too often how the need to be perfect paralyzes.

 

As I walk my own spiritual path, I’ve come to realize that scrapbooks can be a powerful tool for dynamic change and personal growth.  As a result of my own study and practice, I have developed fun interactive workshops where women can explore their creativity, their dreams and goals, using scrapbooks and journaling exercises with a focus on GRATITUDE.   Unlike traditional scrapbooks that celebrate the past, these scrapbooks become tools to enjoy living more fully now and into the future…

 

This blog is just another of the resources I wish to provide for women to reconnect with themselves, rekindle their passions and dreams, believe in all they can be and create the joy they deserve in their life.  I caution you to not wait for “some day” or “one day”.  Those days may never come, or when they do, they catch us so unprepared that we miss the opportunities to live authentically and joyously.

 

Welcome to my blog and thank you for visiting.   This is a case of “leap and the net will appear”.  I don’t know all the technical aspects of blogging but am open to learn and quickly I will.  

I hope you will check back often.  I propose to write with humour, inspiration, creativity and honesty so that we can all learn, and open our hearts to MORE.  And yes, I will have images… as soon as I can figure out the technical aspect of that. ;o)