I created this layout using Prima's BAP for July. It meant I didn't have to think too much about design as the base was already there for me, and I could concentrate on what I was trying to say.
Because this layout had a message I wanted to have in my albums. I fear that my children will one day feel the same way and I want them to know it's ok. That life isn't all roses. And perhaps if I've battled something like this, they can too.
A friend saw this layout and asked me how I can teach feeling as I do above. And my answer was pretty simple.... I refuse to let my fears get the better of me. It's like travel. I LOVE to travel. I would almost go as far to say that I'm addicted to it. If I don't have a trip on the horizon, I feel all jittery. LOL. But flying scares me (so much so, that I've even done a course on flying without fear!). Especially if it's just me. But living at the bottom of the world means to get ANYWHERE I have to fly. So I do. Because if I didn't, that would be worse. And I guess teaching is the same. I love Scrapbooking. I love to teach. To not teach would be worse than someone seeing me 'fat'..... But it also doesn't mean that I don't feel embarrased about how I look.
Andy couldn't believe the layout when I showed it to him. "T, that's a terrible photo, can I take another one for you?". And he's right. It's not pretty! Grin. But I think that was all part of what I wanted to convey in the layout. And besides I've 'actioned' the photo so that it's not even that clear anymore! Grin. And as I say in all my classes and 'preach' about. This was me. Right then, at that moment. So if I don't like it, then I need to do something about it. And if I can't then I need to accept it and love me for who I am.
Because at the end of the day, it's not what we look like. Really it's not. I know that's not what society tells us, but believe me when I tell you that it's whats inside that REALLY matters! Trust me on that ok?!
And so I'm going to challenge you to pop on over to the Prima blog and take a look at the sketch and give it a go. But do what I've done. Make it about yourself. Make it real. Dare ya.
PS: And just by making this layout, I felt a whole heap better. So it was therapeutic too. Funny aye?!
So love your layout and the sentiments you have expressed. Sometimes, the hardest part is convincing ourselves that it's what inside that counts, not what fashion dictates we should be like. I remember you saying once that we need to be in layouts for our family to know something about us rather than us being on the other side of the camera all the time. Keep smiling and being positive.
Posted by: Judy | July 23, 2013 at 12:56 PM
I love the layout, and the strength it took you to make and share it. I hope I can one day be so brave!
Posted by: Sophie | July 23, 2013 at 01:27 PM
I wish I were as brave as you Trina. You're fabulous for putting yourself out there, an awesome lesson to follow. Gorgeous layout as always :D
Posted by: Lainie | July 23, 2013 at 03:13 PM
Good on ya Trina!
You rock!!
Posted by: Hilary | July 23, 2013 at 03:58 PM
i love that you are honest!!!
a lesson for us all
document the REAL
and
be HONEST!!!
Posted by: mandyb | July 23, 2013 at 05:42 PM
A brave thing to share Trina but such an echo for so many people - myself included. Learn to love yourself as others do and it will happen. xoxo
Posted by: Esther | July 23, 2013 at 06:50 PM
Trina - it's ok to be curvy and have "more to love" than you want. I been there and still battling it. You are an amazing person and I don't care if your blue, 10 ft tall, small or exactly how you are. You have an amazing personality, you know you can fix things and you don't have to fix everything. The sugar thing - hell, I cant help it either. Chocolate is the answer, no matter what the question is. Stay who you are, never change. We love you just the way you are.
Posted by: Julia Hewitt | July 23, 2013 at 08:29 PM