It's a fact. Focusing on our own selves only makes us feel worse, and focusing on others always makes us feel better. Is anyone else out there weary of the "it's all about me" mentality? I mean really...aren't we all worn out, under-appreciated, overlooked and neglected, treated unfairly, emotionally starved (and on and on)? It's called being a female human. It's life. But listen to my voice of experience when I tell you that it's our turning inward and dwelling on this that brings on the bitterness, pain and self-pity.
So here it is a brand spanking new year and the perfection of opportunity to turn it all outward. I'm challenging you to join with me in ushering out the era of "it's about me" and replace it with "it's all about you" . I created a visual reminder that I'll keep in my studio (where I am most often) to quit with the ME and turn toward the YOU.
And speaking of YOU...my studio revamp is moving slowly but surely. I've already filled two shopping bags of things to give away to you guys. Check back often!
Rebecca, you are so dead on with this thought. Thanks for being a voice of truth and reason in a world of 'me'. Happy New Year to you and your cute family.
Posted by: Kassie | 03 January 2007 at 09:15
Well said!
Posted by: Jeanine | 03 January 2007 at 09:18
You are such an inspiration -- emotionally and creatively. Keep it coming!!!!
Posted by: Tricia | 03 January 2007 at 09:27
You hit the nail right on the head with this one! And, it was a much needed kick in the pants for me!
Thanks!!!
Posted by: Lauren | 03 January 2007 at 09:37
I so appreciate your voice in a world of reflection on the mirror. It is only in service to others that the true happiness is found. Love the frame.
Posted by: PamMc | 03 January 2007 at 09:56
Yep. That's the bottom line....life in order..THIS order=
J-Jesus first
O-Others second
Y-Yourself third.......JOY!
Mary Ellen
Posted by: maryellencarlise | 03 January 2007 at 10:28
Love this challenge...
I am going to work on something for my work room...
Thanks, Rebecca!
Posted by: Dawn | 03 January 2007 at 10:31
definitely up for that challenge...i never thought about it that way, that we are all feeling unloved and unappreciated. not sure how i will accomplish it, but will keep it in mind everyday to focus on YOU and not ME.
thanks.
Posted by: brandie | 03 January 2007 at 11:59
Rebecca, you are just so right. So very right. And boy do we as women need to hear this and be reminded of it each and every day. We need to focus on being thankful for all we DO have instead of focusing on what we don't have or what we want. Wanted you to know I posted your thoughts in a comment I made on Melody Ross's blog - the two of you are thinking along the same lines this New Year's!
Janice
Posted by: Janice | 03 January 2007 at 12:39
I am lovin' your blog! Great words of wisdom, I'm also going to focus more outwardly.
Can't wait to see your new studio!!
I hope sometime you put out book #3. Your books are really what motivate me and help me understand what scrapbooking is really all about.
Happy New Year!!
Posted by: Janell | 03 January 2007 at 12:41
You go girl!
Although I already "know" everything you just wrote, it is so easy to forget. Thanks for the reminder. The "poor me" syndrome likes to come in and take over all too often.
It's all about focus, really.
I love the little visual reminder you made for your studio. Great idea.
Hugs!
Tautchia
Posted by: Tautchia | 03 January 2007 at 13:07
Thanks for the reminder. Sometimes it's so easy to forget that others should come first.
Posted by: racheldallaire | 03 January 2007 at 13:32
I so agree with you!! A young man in my sons grade just lost his mother to a car accident. I keep thinking about the today and now is all you really have. So I have been scrapping away! keep those memories.
Posted by: Kandi | 03 January 2007 at 13:56
The world today tells us to be "all about me"...it is difficult enough for myself to stay on the right path but i find it so much more challenging when raising children...i don't want them to have that mentality Max Lucado has a book.."It's not about Me" His books always keep me focused!
thanks for sharing
Posted by: annette | 03 January 2007 at 15:12
thank YOU!!! Your artwork is inspiring and I needed this message today.
Posted by: LIsa C | 03 January 2007 at 15:18
Would love to see pictures of the studio "before" and "after" -- just love those things! I can only imagine how much fun it will be when it is all done! Enjoy!
Posted by: Lynne | 03 January 2007 at 17:57
Thank You for the perspective and reminder. I needed it. Now, I will remind myself and may visit again to be reminded as needed. :)
Posted by: Suzi | 03 January 2007 at 20:34
how true - and how wonderful the world would be if everyone lived by that. thank you for something to think about and work on.
Posted by: Traci | 03 January 2007 at 20:35
My new years resolution is to quit smoking - 3 days so far! so that was my "me" thing. I found this wonderful organization called save the children and you crochet or knit baby hats and they get donated to babies overseas. I learned to make hats now and have completed 3! I am so excited to be able to use some of the talent I have to help out humanity.
Posted by: michelle | 03 January 2007 at 21:18
So true! Thanks for the reminder. I'll have to figure out a way to remind myself of this daily. Hmmmmm....
Posted by: Wendy in MD | 03 January 2007 at 22:44
Great entry, Rebecca! To me, the "YOU" I honor and celebrate is GOD - Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I try to convey His greatness in the "everyday" layouts I create. The subject matter might be about a place, a person, a thing or an experience - or even about "me" - but the focus is always about Him and Who He is or what He's doing.
Thanks for the reminder and the inspiration, Hon -- New Year's Blessings to you and your family :)
Hugs from Alaska - kimB
Posted by: Kim Branson | 04 January 2007 at 03:34
Love the textures in your art! Hope to see you at CHA!
Posted by: Catherine | 04 January 2007 at 07:30
Amen, Sista!
Posted by: Corinna | 04 January 2007 at 07:43
powerful words - and very true.
Posted by: Tracy Whitney | 04 January 2007 at 09:45
Great post Rebecca. Love the framed art. Can't wait to see photos of your studio when you get it finished. :)
Posted by: Petra | 04 January 2007 at 10:31