This month here at The Digital Press we are focusing on the word Forward. In the monthly inspirational post HERE I was really struck by the J.R.R. Tolkien quote “I will not walk backward in life.”
It sounds so determined, so persistent. And it really struck me.
We don’t have a choice, time keeps moving and takes us along with it. We can either keep looking back to the things that are behind us, be they pretty or be they ugly, or we can turn around and face the future, boldly marching on. Now, I will be the first to say that it is sometimes easier said than done. I have had some pretty awful things happen to me, and it was hard at times to keep moving forward, but it is possible. I might not always sprint headlong into the future, I might drag my feet and progress at a snails pace, or maybe even stop and take a breather for a minute, but I do make an effort to keep looking ahead, to keep moving forward.
One way I do that is through art journaling. Now I confess, I stumbled on art journaling by accident through my scrapbooking hobby, and I am so glad I did. Art journaling has really helped me to keep things in perspective, to find the good when it is elusive, and to create for myself the encouragement I need when no one else is offering it. It has also allowed me to get to know who I am and what my style – in life and in art – really is.
One of the key ways that art journaling helps me to keep moving forward is through the visualization of quotes that really speak to me. Whenever I run across a quote I really like, I pin it to my “inspire me” board on Pinterest or jot it down in my planner and later when I am feeling crafty, or need to make some inspiration for myself, I go back to those quotes and pick one to visually interpret. Sometimes that is through paint and messy art supplies, sometimes it is digitally, but it always helps me to solidify the concept that the chosen quote embodies to me.
For example, here is a page I made for the quote I mentioned above
(credits: Lets Go Outside Collection by Sugarplum Paperie)
And for those of you who are Pocket Scrappers, did you know that you can do art journaling in pocket style as well?
Just after my youngest was born I was really struggling with PPD and I wanted to art journal so bad, but between my own health issues, our living situation, and having to care for a baby, it was not possible to pull out the paints. Then one day I ran across a pack of inspiring SNAP pocket cards and decided to make a little Pocket Card Art Journal. It was so easy to make, and so healing for my heart at the same time. I still have fun making pocket style art journal pages. If you have never done it I encourage you to give it a try. Here is a pocket style art journal page I made using one of my favorite quotes from the Winnie the Pooh series.
(credits: You are Loved Collection by Mari Koegelenberg, Project Twenty Fifteen (Vol. 5- The Inserts) Templates by Laura Passage)
This month, as we focus on the word forward, I encourage you to find some quotes that really speak to you in some way about moving forward. Now I know that this could mean different things to different people, and that is OK. It really should be personal. And while you are at it, head on over to the TDP Challenge Forums and check out the challenge I have for you!
Here is to Moving Forward!
About the Author: Erin is a work from home mom of three living in Thailand. She loves playing with her kids and anything artsy. She can often be found knee deep in toys with paint on her face. She is slowly learning the meaning of living an authentic life, and enjoying every minute of the adventure.