So many emotions

Karen · Mar 20, 2017

Ugh. There is nothing like a project you "HAVE" to get done to suck all creative energy out of you. I've totally been there and it's not fun at all, but in my experience it will pass once you have the freedom to create what you want to do again. I hope that you get your project done fast and can get back to enjoying your creative time again soon. You are definitely always welcome here though, so don't even feel that you don't fit here! You do! You are definitely a part of the family here so pop in and jump in anytime!

enjoyyourpix · Mar 20, 2017

Thank you thank you thank you ladies!! I'm feeling lost and overwhelmed for sure right now! The end is in sight and I really want to reply specifically to the love and support you've all given me in these comments. The slideshow is 19 minutes long so far and I'm shooting for 30 so I'm almost there!! <3. The program is drafted and getting reviewed by head coach so that's out of my hands until I get edits. I have some cheer books to wrap but I'm doing that when I have to get up and take breaks. Not worried about that ... it's easy!! <3 That will probably be what I'm doing on Thursday!!! The end of the slideshow is the worst. It's the most emotional song and it's all the seniors with their baby pictures. I start crying every time I work on it. It's too emotionally taxing having a senior too.

Love you all!!! I'm almost there!!!!

cookingmylife · Mar 20, 2017

Kimberly, have you read your signature lately? You do have the answer!

I truly do understand. My son's wedding this week was beginning to feel like a 'job' to me not the joyful occasion it is. I needed my own attitude adjustment but first I had to fuss and pout for a while. I'm almost there too!

Chippi · Mar 20, 2017

Hugs for you. You are amazing!

enjoyyourpix · Mar 21, 2017

cookingmylife said: ↑

Kimberly, have you read your signature lately? You do have the answer!

I truly do understand. My son's wedding this week was beginning to feel like a 'job' to me not the joyful occasion it is. I needed my own attitude adjustment but first I had to fuss and pout for a while. I'm almost there too!
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I may or may not have shed a little tear there. Isn't always that we often have the answers deep inside but need to say the question or articulate our struggle so our friends around us can remind us?? Thank you!!!

Good luck with the wedding!!! This is *just* high school ... so totally not ready for *that* milestone!!!

enjoyyourpix · Mar 23, 2017

Thank you ladies for all your words of wisdom and encouragement.

bcgal00 said: ↑

Awww...hugs. Sorry you're feeling stressed and down right now. Come hang out anytime you want, just lurk if you don't feel like talking and when you want to talk, we're here. I hope you soon come out the other side of the funk you're in and feel more energized. Don't let your break from scrapping bother you, just take the time to relax and get all the stuff done you need to and scrapping will always be there when you are ready, just as we are.
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This is why I love the Pad so much. Sometimes you just need to lurk. And that's okay. I did that a lot these past couple months!!!

HeatherB said: ↑

I'm so sorry that your slideshow project is sucking out the joy of your scrapping. Hugs. It will pass soon and hopefully you will be re-energized and back to scrapping in no time!
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Yes!! I *think* ForeverJoy has a new kit coming out this week so I'm stretching my scrap fingers getting ready!!

jenn mccabe said: ↑

aww, this is why I don't do these things so much anymore. They always suck the creative life out of me too. They are hard and stressful ... there's so much pressure to get it right. But just remember ... those watching will love whatever you do and whatever photos you pick. It will be awesome.
... At least it is due Wed so the end is near - you are so close! And getting that big beautiful 300 page cheer book back must make you feel like all the work on that project was worth it? I'm sure you will be glowing on Wed when everyone sees what you have done for them. I'm sure it will be amazing. Hugs to you as you plow through ... I know it's hard, but if you can put together a 4 year, 300 page cheer book - you can do this!
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Thank you! When I copied the slideshow to the thumb drive, all I saw were places where I should have switched photos to match the music better and that the one song didn't fade *just right* ... but in the end, people came up to me and said it was lovely. So that was super nice. I was worried that people wouldn't like it because the person that had done it for 4 years before me put so much time in making videos and really a production. I skipped the videos and "entertainment" and just stuck with lots of photos put together with love!!

Serena said: ↑

I understand this very well. One of my friends had commented back when I was first into digiscrapping on how I should make this a job. So.. I took on the job. I made pages for people and it became a job and less fun. I felt like all my creativity had been sucked out and I was struggling to get ANY sort of inspiration at all. I stopped finding it. My muse's ran dry, every page was like pulling teeth.

It's what you're going through now to an extent. All these things you HAVE to do, have made it a job. Made it something you HAVE to do. And in your mind, it's a negative thing. We psychologically (yes, I'm a Gemini, we study ALL sorts of subjects) throw anything that seems like a job, that seems like we HAVE to do it, into a negative light. It's subconscious, we don't mean to and we have to train ourselves to NOT do it. Even then, it automatically tries.

So. Here's my suggestion. Take a walk. Go out, somewhere where you aren't around something that reminds you of what you HAVE to be doing. Go to the store, go to the library, go to a random festival some local thing happens to have. Go play pool.. just do something that is different. Doesn't have to be long either, just a quick breath like coming up for air after being under the water for a long time.

Now, once you're head is above water, I want you to look at things "incorrectly."

Look there, it's a bench in the park. Now, stop looking at it straight on and move to the side and drop down a bit. Now you're looking at it lengthwise and from the angle of the arm of the bench. Notice the wood grain, see how it looks almost triangular as it's biggest where you're standing and then angles down almost to a point to the other side.

Look there.. there's a wind moving through the tree. Now stand at the trunk of the tree with your back to it and look up. See that little tiny yellow leaf? The 'outcast'? Everything else is green but there he stands defiantly shining like the sun and dancing in the wind more fervently than his fellows. Now close your eyes and listen to the wind. What music is it playing to make that Sunleaf dance? What makes YOU move? What would you dance with him to?

Take Sunleaf to the bench and dance on the big end, then whirl your way with him to the short, smaller end. What music makes you two laugh and dance more? What music soothes you and makes it so you can spin carefully on the smaller end?

Go the store, see if people are absently dancing or singing along to the music on the intercom. Gather your inspiration in places you never realized had it. Find it in the bright yellow and orange of the peaches next to the brilliant green of the granny apples. Find it in the jagged edges of the books at the library. The haphazardly way they're lined up, some in a row and perfect, others leaning on their fellow books to get some air, others so ragged that they look like they'd fall over if the other books were holding them up.

Go. Breathe again. Then come back and do something you WANT to, then face the other projects with a renewal and look at them differently. They've started to look the same and stale in your eyes, you just need to blink a few more times.

You can do it!

And come be silly with us when you need, those types of breaks work as well.
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Serena, you are amazing!! I'm going to come to you next time I need a pep talk! A few years ago I found myself in a lot of therapy (another long story) but this post and your comments was exactly what I needed to reframe my thinking. It was spot on and exactly what I knew deep inside but needed to be told once more. Sincerely, THANK YOU!!!!

BevG said: ↑

When I am not feeling inspired, I organize my content. I find that looking at all the pretty things I already own gives me back my desire to use them.

Hope you get your project finished soon so you can soon play again.
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OMG I do the same thing. Usually, that's also when my email gets emptied out!!!

QuiltyMom said: ↑

I've been there. You just need to take a break. Sometimes pushing through to the end just to complete a task simply drains us of everything. You know we love you, so just hang out here for a while with a cup of tea and some chocolate. Browse through the amazing gallery and soak in all the beauty that is there. Watch a couple of episodes of Fixer Upper. Take a walk, as already has been mentioned. Then sit back down to finish it.

Hugs!!!
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Eyeore said: ↑

I am so thankful to read your post. I have also really been feeling the Blehs! Just not inspired and plodding along. I mean there's a sale on and I haven't even done any shopping! Here's hoping we get back on track and enjoy this hobby soon.
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How are you doing? Thinking about you too!!

kimingvtx said: ↑

Hugs! I'm sorry that you are feeling left out and stressed! You are always welcome at the Pad even if you aren't currently scrapping! Hope everything calms down soon.
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gonewiththewind said: ↑

First, I've seen that cheer book, and it's awesome and no wonder you're creatively zapped. That took a lot to organize and present it in such a beautiful way.

Second, you are missed! I've tried not to bug you, but I do miss you and your pages (yes, selfishly LOL).

Third, get as much done as you can, and then you need to take a break. You only have a few days left and then you will be free to create and scrap again, on your terms, on your time.

Sending ((HUGS)). You are SO strong and I know you can make it through this dip!
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Cheryl!!!! I.freaking.love.you. Seriously!!!!

IntenseMagic said: ↑

So sorry you are feeling that way! I know that sometimes when I have to do a lot of things to do that feel like work, it really takes the joy out of it. You've had some great advice...I would only echo taking a step away for a bit and look around for things that bring you joy and inspiration. Sending hugs!!
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Thank you!

bellbird said: ↑

there's always so much to do and so little time, i know you will find time to get back to what u love at some point, hopefully sooner than later (and the pressure we put on ourselves to get slideshow timing and stuff right is probably far in excess of what it needs to be when people barely pay attention and stuff at the time ...just sayin ) hang in there and thanks for the update about where you're at!
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So true!! We are the hardest on ourselves.

Sokee said: ↑

Can I just give you a simple (hug)!
Your getting great advice here!
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Thank you! AND YES!!!

cfile said: ↑

I go through spurts..I sometimes feel that way if I have a lot of stuff to do which seems like all at the same time.. just take one thing at a time.. if you need to shake it off by scrapping, do an AJ page so you can vent.. get all the negatives out and then start fresh again. Sometimes that is all you need! I hope you get out of your funk and start smiling again quick! Terrific news re the 300 page cheer book for Courtney. That is awesome. The same will be for the slide presentation so just hang in there!
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jk703 said: ↑

Yes... to the above..... so many items to do and the "work" feeling!
Sending hugs, know we are here and we aren't going anywhere!
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londoncuppa said: ↑

@enjoyyourpix I bow to the wisdom and love of all the ladies who've posted before me, and I second everything they've said. I too went through the same thing. I think we all have. I started scrapping in 1997 (decorative scissors, anyone?). I had a lot of personal turmoil in 2010-2011, and creativity was the last thing I could think of. I stepped away from scrapping completely for 3 years until 2013. It was my new interest in digital (I was always a paper scrapper) that brought me back.

I started buying digital products from various stores and began Project 365/documenting daily for PL with gusto, but I STILL DIDN'T MAKE ANY PAGES. As a matter of fact, I continued to buy and relish all of my products but didn't make anything at all until the end of 2016. I stored up all of my products, notes and ephemera. I taught myself Photoshop (and the beginnings of Illustrator). I took every class I could get my hands on. Scrapbooking is now all I can think about 24/7, and it's been that way for about 2 years now. I want to learn and give it all I can, but that's only after I completely walked away from it for 3 years.

Give yourself permission to say, "I don't enjoy this anymore, and it's okay to walk away FOR NOW." There are no rules that say you can't come back to it in a month, 6 months, or even a year or two. A hobby shouldn't be stressful, and it shouldn't make you feel guilty. Your community loves you and will still be here when you're ready to come back. It's always okay to say no. Sending you much love!!
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Such important advice!! Thank you for sharing that with me!!

wombat146 said: ↑

Great advice already given, so just sending you a lot of hugs!! I am sure you will find your mojo after your 'job' is finished and you.are.nearly.there!
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Thank you!!

Karen said: ↑

Ugh. There is nothing like a project you "HAVE" to get done to suck all creative energy out of you. I've totally been there and it's not fun at all, but in my experience it will pass once you have the freedom to create what you want to do again. I hope that you get your project done fast and can get back to enjoying your creative time again soon. You are definitely always welcome here though, so don't even feel that you don't fit here! You do! You are definitely a part of the family here so pop in and jump in anytime!
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So grateful to be done!!!!!

Once again!! . The Lilypad community is the best!!!!!!!!!

jenn mccabe · Mar 24, 2017

Yay ... was thinking about you these last few days! Enjoy "just scrapping" ... hopefully you have a calm weekend ahead?

EHStudios · Mar 24, 2017

This thread is a tremendous source of advice for when I feel the same.

You definitely need to give yourself a pat on the back for 300 PAGES DONE! That's an amazing accomplishment! I know what it's like to organize YEARS worth of photos for one project, or put if off because it's so daunting, & can't imagine how beautiful it is & how accomplished you feel! Let that inspire you. Breathe. You've poured your heart in these & it's worth it in the end & now you can go back to FUN!

NancyP · Mar 24, 2017

WOW! Not only are the ladies here witty and funny, but you are full of more wisdom than I have seen in a lifetime!!! I am truly taking a lot of that wisdom into my own life!!!
Kimberly, dear one!! I am older now (77) but I went through the Senior year, cheerleader path just like you. Unless you have been there, no one can understand that walk!! Its emotional enough just having a Senior, but throw in cheerleading, and in my case, dance team on top of it, its a bummer seeing it all come to an end. My dd cheered for 4 years, captain for the last two. She cheered both football and basketball and one of her dearest friends on the basketball team went on to the NBA so every time I saw him play, all the emotions would come back again!
I really believe (after digi scrapping for 9 years now) that the moment we take on a task that we HAVE to do, something happens inside us. The joy just seems to sap out of us. I am working on a 50th wedding anniversary album for a friend of mine and I can't wait to get it done! There is just no joy there because I know I HAVE to do it!!! I wonder why that is? In fact that is why, a year ago, I walked away from my 5 CT positions. Knowing i HAD to do this just wasn't fun for me anymore. I will take a guest position now and then just because I really do love CTing but knowing it will come to an end soon really helps----if that makes sense.
So, hang in there!!! I know you can do this! You have to best, strongest, most loving support group you could ever have, right here at the Lily Pad! HUGS HUGS HUGS!!!!!

Serena · Mar 26, 2017

I give out free hugs and a listening ear. My door is always open. ... unless it's closed...

But seriously, grats on getting it done! You are AWESOME for that!

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So many emotions

Karen Wiggle it, just a little bit!

enjoyyourpix My mama don't like you

cookingmylife Pizza would be my last meal, except ...

Chippi Those chicken nuggets are just waiting to attack

enjoyyourpix My mama don't like you

enjoyyourpix My mama don't like you

jenn mccabe She's OUR sunshine!

EHStudios I am more clever than I think

NancyP All you need is a little bit of pixie dust

Serena Squishy soul poet who loves Walter Hunt

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So many emotions

Karen Wiggle it, just a little bit!

enjoyyourpix My mama don't like you

cookingmylife Pizza would be my last meal, except ...

Chippi Those chicken nuggets are just waiting to attack

enjoyyourpix My mama don't like you

enjoyyourpix My mama don't like you

jenn mccabe She's OUR sunshine!

EHStudios I am more clever than I think

NancyP All you need is a little bit of pixie dust

Serena Squishy soul poet who loves Walter Hunt

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