Thursday, September 25, 2014

Let It Go

Sometimes you just know the time is right to let something go and move on.
Today I have a post up here on the Paper Issues blog. It is my last post as a design team member today, so it's a little bittersweet
I have been on the design team since April 2013, so about a year and a half. And it has been so much fun getting to know all of the girls! I have also created quite a few pages as a result of my time with Paper Issues, some of which you can see in the above collage.

But lately I have felt less and less like having scrapbooking be anything but a hobby I enjoy. As much as I have loved being on design teams, it's not really something that fits my life right now. I have  been enjoying substitute teaching and it has helped me realize that maybe it's time to focus more on getting back into teaching again. Not full time of course with Mike traveling. I just don't want to add that element of stress to our lives right now. But getting a few sub days here and there and going back to school for my Master's degree are high on my list right now.

The same is true about exercise and healthy living. It's interesting to me that time I used to spend blogging, checking the scrapbook galleries and message boards and just scrapbooking is being filled with exercise and looking for healthy, clean eating recipes. I think I have just reached a point in my life where I have different needs and I am trying to find a balance between family, health, "career", and hobbies.

I will say this. Being on design teams definitely helped me grow and develop my style as a scrapbooker. And I learned so much more about computers and photography as well.
I had set several goals for scrapbooking that I wanted to accomplish.
I wanted to be on a design team for my local scrapbook store, an on-line store and a kit club which I did through For Keeps Sake, Scrapgal, Paper Issues and Scrapbooking From the Inside Out.
And the bonus was being on the Crafting Ireland on-line magazine team. I never even dreamed of being on a team for a magazine, but thought why not when I saw the call. I was on their first ever design team and it was so incredible that they asked me!
Another goal was to have my work published in a scrapbook magazine at least once...thank you Scrapbooks Etc. magazine for making that dream come true several times. :)

And then I started thinking it would be fun to be on a manufacturer team. But after being asked to work with product for one company only for a few assignments, I realized that I am not the type of person who can use 80% of one company's product on a page. It stressed me out a bit to be limited like that.  So I am letting that goal go because I know it is not a good fit for me.

Ultimately, I am letting design teams go.
After ten years of design team work, I am done for now.
Most likely for good.
And I am so grateful for the several opportunities I have had because I have truly met some awesome women along the way!
But it's time for something new.
I will still be scrapbooking and I will still post here to the blog.
It will probably be a mix of things, but I will definitely still share projects.
I am also grateful for the new Facebook group Paper Issues started, Paper Issues {Friends and Fans}
so I don't have to go cold turkey from chatting with my PI friends.

Letting go feels pretty good.

30 comments:

  1. I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision and you'll be missed from the PI team, Mary Jo! It's awesome all that you've accomplished and best wishes as you reach for new goals! :)

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  2. So sad to see you leave PI ... but totally understand!!!! I am just happy that you will still be here checking in when you create something :)

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  3. This is not an easy decision to make but you're doing what's right for you and your family. I'm happy we can still touch base on FB and here on your blog. :)

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    1. Me, too, Lisa! I will miss being on the team with you though!

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  4. I totally relate with alot of what you are saying~for me I'm not ready to stop designing, it still takes me places and I'm still learning. Wishing you much, much success. I so enjoy your work:)

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    1. Thanks, Connie! It was a tough decision but definitely feels right for me.
      Doesn't mean I won't miss some things about it though. :)

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  5. Thank you for always being so awesome. We will miss you on the team but will be happy to keep the friendship alive in the group. I wish you all the best. ❤️❤️

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    1. Thanks, Kelly! I am so glad you and Cassie took a chance on me <3

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  6. I had to sit down and reprioritize things a few years ago, and again in January. It's never easy, but you always have to do what's best for YOU. :) You've accomplished some wonderful things!! I'm glad you'll still be posting here, you continue to inspire me not only with your wonderful layouts and cards, but with your journey toward health and wellness. ((hugs))

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  7. I think it is lovely that you set yourself some goals, achieved them and now you are moving on - there is certainly nothing wrong with that! Working on your Masters will be time consuming but rewarding - another great feather in your cap. Well done you! Anne xx

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    1. Little intimidated by working towards my degree, but I'm ready! :) Thanks, Anne!

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  8. Congratulations Mary Jo! I know we talked about the new goals that you are working towards, and how much you are enjoying subbing! I'm so happy for you that you had a good experience and achieved so many of your scrapping/design goals :)

    And congratulations on going back for your Masters Degree!!! That is awesome!!!

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  9. Best wishes Mary Jo, for finding that balance for your family and yourself!!

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  10. This was probably not an easy decision, but I'm sure you feel a weight lifted off your shoulders :) So exciting though to think about what the future could hold for you :)

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  11. Loved reading this post. I can totally relate. I've been making some pages lately that are not design team assignments and I love the freedom!

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  12. Good for you for recognizing that Mary Jo. I think realizing what is going to cause you stress and how it will impact you is so important. BTW: the kids' school year is not being extended due to the strike (you asked about that on my blog).

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  13. Thanks for sharing what you've been going through and your decisions. Even though I want things to stay the same they always change. Creatively I am trying something different, which is exciting and scary at them same time. It seems to keep moving forward is the key (which can be hard) and you are doing a good job of it. Hugs!!!! Evie

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  14. I hear you. My son is getting older, and I'm starting to think more seriously about going back to work (though, unlike you, I have not been brave enough to do any subbing yet!). Priorities change over time. I hope you'll still be blogging from time to time, since I love seeing your pages. :)

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  15. I know this was not an easy decision, but one that you needed to make.
    I am excited for you to see what you are up to next :)
    I only go on DT's for a limited time. As much as they challenge you, I have always wanted my hobby to be my passion and not feel like a job with deadlines…I admire you for being on one for almost 2 years straight.

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  16. I know DT is a big commitment! You are very talented and I look forward to more of your hobby scrapping

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  17. Bless you on this new chapter Mary Jo. It's gonna be great!

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  18. Ah, change can be hard but can be really good too. I think your post sums up for me why I never tried too hard to be on teams. The pressure we put on ourselves to meet the deadlines and produce great work can overshadow the real reason we do it in the first place. I have definitely entered a new phase in my life and my blog and creating in general have taken a backseat. While it makes me sad, I'm also totally OK with it because that is just where life is right now. Looking forward to seeing what you create just for yourself! :)

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  19. I 100% understand and will probably be stepping down myself in a about year from now. Being on team takes a lot of time and now with dd getign older shes needs more of my time with home work ect.
    I will miss not seeing you scrap as much and so glad to know you will still be blogging!! :)

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  20. Yup, right there with you... I understand how needs and constant change morph us and what fits today might not be so tomorrow. Good luck with whatever you chose to pursue I'm sure you'll achieve once you set your heart on it :-)

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  21. It takes guts to make a decision like this and I am so proud of you! Bigger and better things in store!

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