Monday, December 10, 2012

Forgive

Here is my third layout this month using the Release kit by Scrapbooking From the Inside Out.
I found the quote on-line and it went perfectly with the idea I had for this layout!

"Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they fully understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in it's own time." - Sarah Paddison

Definitely a life lesson for me. I had to let go of a relationship that was pretty toxic. And unfortunately it is a "family" member, but that doesn't mean that I have to stay in a relationship that is more negative than positive.

Journaling:
This quote has meant a lot to me. In fact, it was very eye opening. Because of this quote, I have truly been able to forgive and remove myself from a relationship with a person I once thought of as a friend. Someone I thought I could trust. Someone who surprised me with things said and done to my family.
And I realize that the only person I can change and be responsible for is myself. It's ok to forgive and let her go.
Because in the end, I am a happier person without all the negativity and need for control.
In the end, I have been blessed with women in my life that helped me see the true meaning of friendship.

If you hadn't already guessed, that person was in the other half of my torn photo. And the good thing is by learning to forgive and let go, I have no expectations from that person. And it truly is freeing :)
Forgiveness is a wonderful thing!

This layout was also featured on the Creating Keepsakes editor blog along with layouts from the other design team members, and a fabulous post by Rachel. You can see it here. If you leave a comment on the post, you also have a chance to win the December kit! So make sure to go by and leave a comment! :)

So on Friday, I posted that I had a busy weekend ahead of me with getting ready for a 40th birthday party for my husband. And let's just say that I had to put my mantra from this layout, to test! What a challenging weekend! Erin became pretty sick in the middle of the night on Friday. Fever and really bad cough. So after taking her to the doctor, she was diagnosed with croup! Let's just say I felt so bad for her, and was ready to cancel the party. But a truly wonderful friend offered to babysit Erin at my mother-in-law's so the party could carry on. By then Erin was actually feeling better. And she enjoyed special one on one time with my friend. I hated having her go away, but it really was a great party and celebration for Mike. Lots of friends and family. Lots of fun!

And I didn't get one single photo with my camera! I was too busy running around hosting. Making sure everything was just right. But my brother, a brilliant photographer, took lots and lots of photos and has promised me some. So hopefully in the not too distant future, I will be ready to share.

And thankfully Erin really is much better today. I was expecting her to be so much sicker, but she is not coughing as much. So things really did work out in the end! :)

16 comments:

  1. Oh no, croup is so scray. My grandkids get it...your heart just breaks when they "bark"!

    I am sure enjoying your layouts lately...I think you are on an inner journey and it shows in your journalling lately.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This layout is so beautiful in many ways, Mary Jo. So glad to hear Erin is better and everyone got to enjoy their special times.

    ReplyDelete
  3. super layout
    glad your little one is feeling better!

    ReplyDelete
  4. So sorry she got sick... but how wonderful for your friend to watch her!! I hope she gets better soon!! Glad the party was a success!! I loveeeeeeeee your lo!! LOVING that journaling! Just beautiful!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Mary Jo, your layout is beautiful and it is always nice to hear what was behind the construction of it. I imagine it was very big release for you. So sorry to hear that your daughter has been poorly but glad to hear that she is on the mend. Hugs, Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Glad Erin is feeling better and that you had a fun party. I went to a Christmas party Friday night and was supposed to take photos but didn't get my camera out once. How does that happen????? This is an awesome page. I feel much the same about forgiveness. It's not about making the other person feel better, it's about giving yourself the freedom to be OK with going forward. I love that you added the torn photo. I will have to remember this! :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I need to remember this quote! I went through a "break up" with my best friend and she did/say some really terrible things. I miss the friendship but can't bring myself to truly forgive her yet, even though I know it's about releasing myself and not letting her get away with the bad things she did. It's just so hard to let it go. Thank you for posting this. Not only do I need to take into my heart this wonderful quote, but I also feel better knowing I'm not the only one feeling the way I do. :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful quote. I love the little tape-(like?) strips, and the torn photo---so appropriate! Hope your daughter is feeling better today.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I so needed and love that quote so much. It will help me for sure. Thanks for that. And lovely layout as well! Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a beautiful page....I too have been through something like this. Not actual family, but like family for most of my life. Really hard, but sometimes you do have to just forgive and distance yourself from the person for your own sanity. We are better because of it. So glad that your daughter is feeling better and that the party was a hit!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Such an awesome quote. Love how you used it. And so sorry about your daughter. Hope she is feeling okay now!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I do that too...run around like crazy then crash afterwards and realize I didn't get any photos. Wonderful layout-very lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a cool layout, love how you used the torn photo, so powerful! Sorry to hear about Erin, but glad she's feeling better now. I'm glad your brother was there to take photos and the party was a success :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Love this, Mary Jo! I can so relate to this as well. It is so hard when it's family. But, on so freeing as well :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. So glad Erin is feeling better and your husbands birthday celebration was a special one.
    As for your layout...brilliant.
    I have had to let go of a few people in my life as well. One being a parent, doesn't mean I didn't love them. It is hard.
    Hugs to you and your layout is really heartfelt.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Such a great quote! I love how you expressed your thoughts and really like how you used that washi/paper along the left side.

    ReplyDelete