The Therapeutic Benefits of Scrapbooking

Dear Readers,

Today’s edition of Tutor Tips discusses a topic that is very dear to my heart. Today, January 19, would be my son Logan’s 18th birthday. He has been gone for almost 5 years now, and I am writing this article in his memory.

~Libby

Everyone faces various struggles in their lives. How we cope with those struggles is very personal. I’ve found that by taking the time to create a scrapbook page about the difficult times in my life, I am able to let go of some of the anger, sadness, or frustration that I feel about the situation. I don’t want to give the impression that scrapping these topics is easy. At times, it can be heart wrenching. If you find that the pain you feel when doing these pages outweighs the therapeutic benefits, perhaps you need more time before you tackle the subject. There is no rule that says you must do these pages in a timely fashion.

Below is a list of topics that you may wish to include in your scrapbook along with links to layouts created by other scrappers who have faced similar situations.

Death of a spouse, parent, child, friend, or loved one

Example: “Remember Me” by Mary Arquette

Illnesses both physical and mental

Example: “New Deep” by Elizabeth Cuzzacrea

Accidents

Example: “We Give Thanks” by Sheredian

Difficult Pregnancy, Infertility, or Miscarriage

Example: “I am So Blessed” by Amy Stultz

Divorce

Example: “Memories of Another Time” by Kim Mattina

Work-related stress, unemployment, or holding down a job you do not like

Example: “Work Related Stress” by Amy Stultz

Parenting issues such as coping when a child has disabilities, being a step-parent, or not being the “perfect” parent

Example: “Pure Joy” by Sherri Winstead

Weight-loss

Example: “The Day that Changed My Life Forever” by JulieN

Difficult Childhood

Example: “Looking Back at Me” by Jennifer Sizemore

Loss of a pet

Example: “Sandy” by Amy Stultz

World News including natural disasters, war, and September 11

Example: “Proud to be an American” by Libby Weifenbach

For me, the most important thing to remember when I’m putting these pages together is that they are not for anyone else. Even if no one else ever sees them, they have served their purpose by giving me an outlet to release my thoughts in a way that I find healing.