Ok....so...it's like this: you are renovating your home. You have a list of things you need to do to get from point A to point B, but the very first thing you need to do it study the plans. Analyze what you have to work with right now, before you begin bringing in all new items for your space. Clear out all the junk and take a look at your foundation before you try to build over the top.... because those cracks that have appeared over the years need to be addressed before you can do anything else.

That is the basic opening idea for Soul Restoration. Taking a look at who you are and what you've carried with you through life that sets the tone for who you are today... deciding what parts of that journey are worth while and what needs to be left in the rubbish heap before moving into the future with a greater respect for yourself and your inner space....your Soul House.



The first week of our class really took me by surprise. I was confronted with an amazing idea - something I already knew - something I thought I employed but I couldn't have been more wrong! Boundaries are good and respectful (of yourself) to maintain. Melody said something to us that could have very well come from my very own mouth, "I thought - if you're a nice person & you're a good person - then you let everybody into your life." That was me. People pleaser/nice gal. Then Melody went on, "...and the problem with that is that not everybody has the best intentions..." "...so you need boundaries."

So there I sat, thinking about what making this one change, alone, could mean to my life. Time for me to grab a stick and draw a line in the sand....but I'll have to hang on to that stick...because I KNOW that time will blow that line in the sand all but away and I will need to reassess and draw another.

"The process of defining ourselves and what is acceptable to us. It is a major step in taking control of how we allow others (including ourselves)to treat us. The difference between setting a boundary in a healthy way and manipulating or controlling is: when we set a boundary we let go of the outcome." ~Unknown

....here's to letting go!

Most people know right from wrong. We know that the little voice in the back of our mind is there for a reason. We all have that same internal conflicts from time to time and we don't always make the right choices...but we ARE the ones making the choices. Sometimes seeing things from a new perspective can give us just the boost we need to pick ourselves up, get moving again, and making the best choices for our health, our happiness, and our lives.

In January I made the best choice for my continued growth and happiness. I signed up with a group of women from all over the world in the first ever online Brave Girls Club Soul Restoration class:



Within the first two days of the first week of class - I already knew I had made the right choice. I have explained to others that the cost to take the SIX WEEK course (with full access to forums where you can share your experiences, thoughts and feelings with the other ladies and the creators of the program) is less than the co-payment for two one hour one-on-one therapy sessions. And the return on this investment in YOURSELF... is not only the new perspective...but the possibility of making some wonderful new Brave Girl friends! The relationships I've made are priceless, and I am thankful to have met such wonderful women! We just finished the course (after a bonus seventh week was added) and I have already signed up for the second class being held in June. For the next few days I will be posting snippets of projects and lessons that have changed the way I look at my past, present, and how I will interact with people and life situations in the future.


Read more and should the message speak to you register here.

Trust me. You deserve this.

On Tuesday, January 11th at 11:11 am the online class "Soul Restoration" began. This is a wonderful class that has you artfully explore yourself and re-prioritize your own actions, and interactions with family, friends and anything that affects your life. We are just over half through the first week.... and already I know I have been changed forever. One simple lesson has changed how I will allow my "Soul House" to be treated. It's definitely hard to explain (quickly) to anyone who hasn't taken the course...but trust me when I say it is an eye opening course.

I will post a link to the website so you can take a peek!

Until then...be kind to yourself - you deserve to be on your own side!

*smiles*

People have different ways to relieve stress, express emotions, and recharge their internal batteries.

Like me, most of you stopping by here choose scrapbooking or paper crafting of some fashion to provide that boost! Making things for my own home or to give away does something for me that nothing (short of a great hug and a kind word from my DH) can equal or surpass. I notice that when I am not being creative, I tend to bog down a bit and let work, chores, and all sorts of "to do" lists take over and become more daunting than they really are - zapping my energy. When I let too much time pass without "recharging" myself......I'm not happy. (Hard to admit, but it's the honest truth!) And that is exactly what I've done. I let far too much time slip through my fingers last year and neglected my need to express.

Finding balance in my life is my New Years goal. This year I am going to work on making "recharge" time for myself so that the time I spend at work, at home, and out with friends I am the best possible version of me that I can be!

How do YOU recharge?

Simple Stories by MemoryWorks from Amber Crowell on Vimeo.

For years I tried to think of ways that I could combine my love for art & creativity with something that is useful, fun, & gives me the opportunity to be creative & spend time with friends & family! Memory Works was the answer.

Back in January 1, 2007 I decided to start KatsKrops (my scrapbooking studio) joining the wonderful people at Memory Works as an Independent Consultant. Being a Memory Works Independent Consultant, I have been able to share special time with old friends while making new friends! I have learned to think outside of the box & my scrapbooking & paper crafting hobby has become a passion! I love crop sessions/events, & I love finding new ways to express myself while telling the story of my life!

So it's RENOVATION TIME! My DH and I have shared the south half of our basement for the past several years. His photography studio on one side...my scrapbook studio/craft room on the other. Our computer room, laundry room, and a small storage/exercise area fill the remaining half. After discussing the possibilities that his commercial photography might just turn into a full time job one day, my DH decided to move his studio out of the basement and up into our second story spare bedroom! This means an expanded KatsKrops Studio for me!!! I am in the process of cleaning and cutting in carpet right now (no...really RIGHT NOW - I just took a break!) and will be posting photos as soon as I can get them downloaded to my computer! HOW EXCITED AM I!!!