Scrapping About Me & Musing

Finally - a layout about me.  If it wasn't for my friend Andrea's challenge to our group - this layout would not be.  I am grateful she took the challenge from Karen, took the plunge and did a great layout for her blog and then passed the challenge along to our Yahoo group.   

When I started this morning I spent 30 angst-filled minutes just trying to find a decent photo - you know one I thought I looked "ok" in.  The fact was, I didn't have very many photos of just me.  Most of my days are spent being mom and running around with my hair pulled back with a baseball cap on - it is rare to find a photo of me - and one that looks halfway decent in my mind - well that is even harder!  The photo from the above layout was another assignment I had for a retreat I attended - and I hated the assignment - but i did it- and now I am glad.

All this stress over finding a photo of me/taking photos got me to thinking - why am I so self-critical?  I worry about my weight, my face, my double chin that shows if I am not photographed at the right angle - so many perceived "faults."  Why do I think that way?   Could it have something to do with living in a world where Barbie doll features are the "in" thing?  People are beginning to think that botox and plastic surgery are now a matter of "When" and not "IF" - we are obsessed with our perceived faults and the quick fix answers that seem to be the cure.

If I take a step back, and, just for today, have gratitude for all that is good - I have my health, my family, so many good things in my life.  Yes I am not the "ideal weight" and I could stand to get more exercise and eat better - but the good things in my life far outweigh the bad I tend to magnify when I think about me.

So - I challenge you all to take a step back and document you - where you are right now - the good - and then celebrate it - remind yourself of it often - especially when your self-critical thoughts try to have sway on your self-image.

Now I will step off my soapbox and return to the subject of scrapbooking...

The credits for the above layout:  Shabby Miss Jenn's new Flea Market Kit, green background paper from Shabby Princess' Wild Love Kit, and fonts are perpetua titling and adobe caslon pro.  Last but definitely not least the photo action is from Michelle Colemen - it is great fun to use and you can get it on sale this weekend!

Comments

[Karen]

Kayla what a stunning layout! I love ragged edges you've given that photo (which is a great ooking photo incidentally) and the way you've presented you list of all the positives in your life. And your post is magnificent. I think it resonates with nearly all of us. That Barbie has so much to answer for.

[Hannah]

This layout is gorgeous!! I love it! And your post is wonderful, it echoes many of things I think & feel about myself. Funny how so many of us feel that way inside, but the majority of women out there feel that pressure to look "right" and be perfect ... when deep down we are all wishing we could just be ourselves!

[Anne-Marie]

This is beautiful! :) The journalling is just so inspiring.

[Janine]

oh isn't it funny how we beat ourselves up about finding the perfect photo. I am much better at that now and every six weeks I have a new photo taken of me. I loved the layuot and your journalling was lovely. I love that kit. Thank you for leaving a comment on my blog.

[sharon]

Wow - stunning page - love it :)

[Kahshe Cottager aka Jen]

At least you used a current picture ... I used a baby photo because I couldn't find a recent one I liked enough to share!!! LOL I really like how you did your page!

[corina]

Great layout, great journal! I love the frame around your name!

[Mackey]

This is an absolutely stunning page - you should be very proud of it and of the photo! The journaling is WONDERFUL!! Well done!