Have you ever stopped to think about the reason you create scrapbook pages?  I started out just scrapping for fun and to tell my family’s stories.  Somewhere along the way, though, I picked up a little twist and my intent sometimes became to impress people. This probably started around the time that I started posting my pages in online galleries.  I used to really crave positive comments on my layouts as a way to validate my work. Yes, I liked my pages and was satisfied with how they looked but I wanted someone else to tell me they were great too! Can you relate to this?

At some point, I finally realized that I had gotten myself trapped when I was checking my layouts several times a day just to see if someone had left a comment. I had to make the decision to step away and just get back to creating for myself and my family. It was like being set free! My scrapping became more fun, meaningful and relaxing. And I had more time to do it since I wasn’t online all the time. I will admit that I still struggle with this issue from time to time but now it is usually about the kits that I design rather than the pages I create.  While I certainly do enjoy the comments I receive on my pages and the confirmation of my designs through my customers who buy them, I still have to remember that these should not be the primary reason I create them. I can choose to enjoy the process of creative expression, the satisfaction of a job well done and treat the income I receive as a blessing from God to be paid for doing something I really enjoy.

What about you? Is the lure of positive feedback a strong one for you? Have you overcome this issue? I would love to hear your comments!