About a week ago I came across my old obsession: my high school scrapbook. If you are unfamiliar with what a scrapbook is, let me fill you in. A scrapbook is basically a method of preserving and presenting your history. It could be personal photos, cut outs from magazines, ticket stubs, etc. Guys, I cannot tell you how obsessed I used to be with scrapbooking. It was a daily activity for me! This was when I was 15/16 and I was at the peak of my Tumblr days. I spent all day reblogging posts and printing them so I could put them in my scrapbook. I printed quotes, celebrity style, home inspiration, and anything else that inspired me. I looked at this scrapbook religiously and filled my brain with motivational quotes and a future that I aspired to create. This was basically my vision board because I had a vision board.
Looking at this scrapbook produced a flood of memories. I became aware of the mindset that I shared in high school and how optimistic and bright eyed I was. I constantly filled my mind with such encouraging and positive content. Because of that, I attracted positive experiences in my life. My freshman year of college I had a pretty negative roommate and being around her all the time made me start to become more negative. My abundant mindset transformed into a more scarce one and I constantly felt lack. Looking back at my scrapbook also reminded me of wonderful quotes that I want to read and embrace more. When I open my scrapbook the first quote there is one of my favorites. It says:
“I know today is Monday and you assume it’s going to suck, but according to statistics there will be over 5,000 weddings, 10,000 childbirths, and 42 million hugs occurring today throughout the United States. Also today, there will be at least 4 people that will win the multimillion dollar lotteries, 600 people will get promotions at work, and 3,000 people will lose their virginity. There will also be 600 dogs adopted, 35,000 balloons sold, and 800,000 Skittles sold. Plus the words ‘I love you’ will be said over 9 million times. So, again, I know today is Monday and you assume it’s going to suck but just smile. because according to statistics, it should actually be a really nice day.”
When looking through old scrapbook and my new one, one major difference is clear. In my high school scrapbook I allowed myself to be more free. I chose pictures and quotes that I liked without caring what anyone else would say about it. I added whatever I gravitated to without considering judgement. I even put receipts, wrappers, and tickets. I love looking at these items because they really represent me at that stage of my life and it reminds me of all the cool memories that I have. When choosing photos for my new one, I found myself being concerned with what people would think if they saw it. I admire how my younger self didn’t care.
Another interesting difference that I noticed was that I was much less hard on myself when it came to the layout. The funny thing is, my old scrapbook looks so much more creative and cool because of it. I have turned into more of a perfectionist these days and it totally shows up in my work. I want to be less hard on myself and allow myself to make mistakes that can turn into something wonderful. Now that I am putting together my new scrapbook I am making an effort to allow myself to be me and to see what comes from it.
Scrapbooking is an art that I use to embrace and expand myself. My scrapbook is an extension of me and it helps me to visualize who I want to be and be inspired enough to truly embody it. If you are looking for a creative outlook but you don’t feel artistic, scrapbooking is a great way to do that. Be patient and accepting of yourself and allow yourself to explore who you are and what you like. You may discover new goals and parts of yourself that you didn’t know you had.
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