To scrap or not to scrap? That is the question.

To scrap or not to scrap? That is the question.

How many times have you asked yourself, to scrap or not to scrap? Is now a good time? What about my family, my children? I need to take care of other things or other people, first. But, what about me?

I'm sure we've had these thoughts run through our minds every time we take some time out to indulge in our favorite hobby. Even if you're not a scrapbooker, it can be anything you enjoy doing. We feel guilty when we do something for ourself. We feel like we're neglecting our families.

Well, if that's the case, then what's the point? Why bother having a hobby if it only makes us feel guilty when we go to do it?

We do it because we need to. We need to help ourselves before we can help others. Taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of those who are important to us. A very important lesson that I learned in several of my college classes.

Being in a human services field can wear and tear a person down. It's significant to take care of one self or we will burn out while taking care of others. Even if you're not in a human services field, whether you work full-time, part-time or stay at home...it's necessary to take time out for you. Do you what you love. Take one day a week, or even a month, an hour a day...whatever it takes...to do that one thing that makes you smile.

I think of my hobbies as more of therapy and rewards. I had this discussion with my mom, just the other day. I told her that I wanted to scrap on a Sunday afternoon, but everyone was home and awake and lounging around. I felt like was neglecting them and being a little selfish doing what I wanted to do. My mother replied with this, "You do so much for your family and with your children, you're more than entitled to play, too."

So, that afternoon I created. Nothing fancy, but just went with it and created. Here's the layout I came up with. A few years ago when I took my Girl Scout troop to Howe Caverns. I made this layout for their troop scrapbook. Still doing for others, but doing what makes me happy, too!

As you go through life taking care of everyone else, you must remember this...

"We visit others as a matter of social obligation. How long has it been since we have visited with ourselves?" – Morris Adler