Here's what the journaling says:
I have a hard drive full of photos to scrap and a mind full of stories to tell. There are scrapbook challenges to complete and contests to enter, as well as magazine calls to answer and half-finished pages to revisit. I want to finish trip albums and gift albums, Year in Review albums and Book of Me pages. There is also a multitude of other craft projects vying for my creative attention. I feel a very real self-imposed pressure to make progress in these endeavors.

Thus, when I sit down to scrap, I tell myself that I can’t afford to spend five hours working on one page. There is no time to try out a new technique or search the web for inspiration. Delighting in the treasures found within forgotten kits or experimenting with new combinations of elements and type must be avoided at the risk of falling further and further behind. After all, someone with so many stories and photos to scrap cannot justify wasting time in such unproductive pursuits.

Yes, it is true. In the words of John Eldredge, I have let my attempts at efficiency replace my creativity.

Therefore, as part of the rejuvenation of my heart and braving to enjoy life again, I plan…no, that is an achievement-oriented word…I will allow myself to play. I will strive (there’s another achievement-oriented word…will I never escape?!) to silence the voice that says, “Hurry up” and “You are wasting your time” and “At this rate, you will never finish anything”. I shall silence my need to be productive and to accomplish.

Instead, I shall let myself play without an agenda, without a time clock, and without pressure. I will try to relax and let myself have fun creating. I will value the process as much as I value the product, knowing this will bring renewed energy, creativity, and enjoyment back to this creative outlet. I must reign in my desire to be an efficient scrapper so that I can, once again, enjoy creating.

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The elements don't symbolize anything. I gave myself the freedom to just choose things I liked and then fit them together. It is busier than most of my pages, but I'm trying not to judge!

Bkgrnd & Gold paper, Arrow, Paint smudges, Newspaper frond - Erica's Arty Antics VC
Flower overlay - Z's Succotash Splash VC
Heart & XOXO beads - Nicole's Just Junky
Crown - Kerri Erickson (Fairyland Dreams)
Thin newspaper swirl - anyone recognize this?
Teal paint - Nicole's Mixed Tape VC
Domino - Marcee's Pot Luck Element Pack 9
Pink and Brown star - Kerri Erickson (Wacky Whimsy)
Ticket - Z's Find Your Own Magic VC
Green glitter - Nicole's Wish Upon A Rainbow
Pink flowers - Nicole's Spunky Vibe
Yellow stars - Kerri Erickson (Very Altered Love)
Fonts: DSP Abby, Franklin Gothic Book, The Truth of a Thousand Lies