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Wednesday 11 February 2009

Looking Inwards

Yes...it's an other rambling post....again!! So grab the coffee and get comfy...or just scroll to the end and grab the Elements for A Little Love and run!! The choice is yours. I hope you stay and read on.

Don't ask me why but today has been a looking inward day for me. I had just read a blog post and thought how well that the person was dealing with a mammoth problem and yet still coping with the rest of their life. It made me think about my own life...past and present, but more than that it made me think of the people around me and how I was treating them. Was I a nice person to be around? Was I selfish? So many questions so few answers!!!

I am sure that I fall short on so many of these questions. But that doesn't make me a bad person. But there is not a person made that couldn't get better!!! So I decided to try to get better...there is ALWAYS room for improvement!!

"How could I become a better person?" I asked myself. OK, I know that you can't just do these things to order and a lot of you will think I'm crazy (if you don't already!! lol!). But if you don't try it won't happen...........besides it should be a "Work in Progress".

So here's what I've come up with...a Challenge. A Challenge to me and to you too if you want to take part.

I decided that for the next 7 days I am going to do a little something that is selfless each day that will give to others in someway. I don't mean something physical but a meaningful gesture, kind act etc. It's a sort of Better Me Challenge..so I did a little blinkie for it..I know...it's really basic!! But snag it if you want to take part,  it's in my side bar. 

For the 7 day Challenge these are the Aims I hope to achieve. They are not in any order but I aim to do one or more per day for at least the next week...depending on how opportunities develop. Hopefully I will then continue with them as part of my everyday life if they are not there already.

The Aims of the Challenge are:

  • Let People Know I Care - Tell someone I love them..and mean it, think about it and say it with meaning.
  • Listen - Be a good listener and allow someone to unburden themselves and just vent off!! They may be mad or sad but I will let them bend my ear and get rid it. Don't you always feel better after you have sounded off? I do!! Being a good listener is an art and one we all need to practice!! We talk much more than we listen and often don't really listen to what people say. So, this week we are going to really listen when people talk to us..multitasking doesn't help this one!!
  • Give a Little Time - life is so busy we often can't cram everything in, so make sure that you make a little space to do something with one or more of your family or friends...without distractions or worrying about the things your not doing. In other words even if it's just 10 minutes..it will be quality time with your undivided attention. That can be a difficult one to do sometimes with all the multitasking!! Hopefully it will let them know we care and want to spend time with them...they are more important than anything else during that period. You don't want to think in the future if only you had spent a little more time with him/her/it..so do it now.
  • Say Sorry - we all have times in our past and present when we should say sorry but we don't. In the next week think about situations when perhaps you should have said sorry and didn't. If you can't find one then make sure that you say sorry at the right time this next week. An apology need not be an admission of being in the wrong but that your sorry something happened...say an argument or a long gap in being in contact.
  • Appreciate People and Tell Them So - often we don't do this when we should and it is something that can mean a lot to people. It lets them see you notice and you don't take them for granted. You appreciate their skills, time, effort, kindness or what ever. We all like to be appreciated... so show someone you do appreciate them!!
  • Try to Be a True Friend - not to be judgemental, but be trustworthy, a friend they can count on to encourage them and console them.... a friend who can keep their secrets and be loyal. Often we say "We're good friends" but we don't make time to be one!! This one is an ongoing thing to keep doing. That's why they say that "true friends are rare like pearls". Make yourself a pearl!!
  • Say Something Good About People - say something good about and to people. Build them up..don't knock them down. Trying not to be judgemental goes with this one too..people are different, that doesn't make them bad...just different.

I'll be posting how I get on with the challenge and I'd love to know how you get on if you decided to try it too.

Now for scrapbooking!!!

I'm so lucky that I get to see so many lovely layouts that people do using my work. It really is a joy and one I look forward to....to find out what others do with the things I make, how they bring them to life as part of their wonderful pages.

Bettina has done just that be sharing with me these two beautiful pages from her album. The first is of her granddaughter Lily and the journaling was dictated to her teacher in First Grade by Lily herself. It is truly amazing!! The page really shows of Lily's crowning glory and is one to treasure for the future.

BestPart2-bettina

 

Bettina's second page is of her grandson having a wonderful time in the playground, look at that energy!! Her clever use of the template really conveys the speed and motion of this very energetic young man!!

 

DomsDayatThePlayground_bettina 

Credits both layouts: Papers - Colour Basics by Cens Stuff, Hearts - not known, Template 01 - Cens Stuff, Talent by Bettina!!!

Bettina a brilliant job on both layouts and a huge thank you for sharing them!!

And Finally..I know... I really took my time in getting to it!! Lol!!

jsch_litlove_folder

You can download the Elements for A Little Love here

Have a great day and I hope you decide to take the challenge!! Check back

for how I'm getting on with mine.

31 comments:

Missy said...

Cen,
I am doing a freebie blog train for spring and would love to have you join as a designer.
Check it out!
http://listen2missy.blogspot.com/2009/01/blog-train.html

Anonymous said...

I love your challenge. To me YOU accomplish most of those items each time you post. I always get great joy when I read your posts. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us.

KrisG said...

Oh my... what a gorgeous kit!!! This is soooo snagged! Thank you! This will be so great for a "Valentine challenge" going on at Osten Wilkins forum. I'll be sure to share when I get a "Valentine" done!

Your challenge sounds great! I think it would be great if the whole world could do this. I know I'm lacking in some places... as is just about everyone, LOL. I'll really have to think about goals for this one... I already try to be nice, haha! This kind of falls in line with my New Years resolution... to ALWAYS leave a note of thanks when I snag something (so far - so good!). Good luck!

Missy said...

Also, I would like to award you with the following award...post it on your site and pass it on to three other freebie designers!

Missy said...

Congrats! You have been noticed!

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a125/mleejordan/bestfreebiesontheblock.jpg

Pass this award on to three deserving freebie creators!

Susie2shoes said...

Hi Cen

Every time you post you pass a little sunshine on, I love reading you blog.

I hope your mom is still doing well.

Thank you so much for the beautiful gift x

Big Hugs
x

Yvette said...

Great post. I like your challenge. I try to do random acts of kindness. What you posted takes it a step further which we all should do. Thank you for the elements and the challenge.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

I read your posts all the time, and I must say, you always come across as the "selfless" type. I envision what it would be like to know you in "real life" and I see a good friend, someone who makes me laugh, someone who is thoughful and who would think of me before herself.... Perhaps that's the "illusion" of digi-land...but I suspect it's no illusion at all. I bet you're all of that and so much more.

I grabbed your blinkie, and I too, intend to challenge myself to be a better person for the next 7 days. However, after the seven days are up, watchout!!! I am going to be rude, obnoxious and terribly selfish to make up for the lost time!! LOL! Kidding!!!! I will most definitely take the challenge to heart.

You're a gem and I thank you for all you do. Not just for your designs, but for your insightful posts. Often times, I leave your blog a better person than I was before I dropped in. The power of positivity is amazing.

Hugs,
Candi

Kessa said...

Hi June, I love your challenge and will definitely snag your blinkie. I was forced to slow down and 'smell the roses' a few years ago after my health issues hit and when I look back now I can see positives in that as I am finding I'm not as rushed in what I do and do manage to find time for others but it took a brick to be thrown at me before I slowed down.

What a wonderful place it would be if everyone did try your challenge.

Thanks you too for reminding me how important others are and how a smile might be all someones needs.

Thanks also for this lovely addition to the kit. I love the bright colours.

May you have a wonderful blessed day. Hugs, Keryn

Michele said...

I think your challenge is great! If the world would do more of these things more often instead of letting their mouth run we would have a lot more happiness in the world. I will do my best to participate, sometimes my brain let's me down and I forget things easily (dang and I am only 33, I will be screwed when I am 60!! lol)!

Love the elements! Thanks for sharing another great kit!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this Freebie. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in Creative Busy Hands Scrapbook Freebies Search List, under the Valentines post on Feb. 11, 2009. Thanks again.

Anonymous said...

Wow, June, I always thought you were the kind of person who did just as you are posting to do for the next 7 days. It's good to know we all falter at some points, and in this instance, are wise enough to see that we all do/can go off into our own lil worlds at times forgetting just some of those things/or all. It will truely be a blessing to your heart and anyone who takes up the challenge to do just that, and then some. I enjoy reading your posts and to put this into perspective I am going to pass on downloading today and come back tomorrow simple because your post is well worth the wait.
A great big HUG for you, GF.
Have a wonderful evening.
opal

makeyesup said...

Don't put yourself down, you are a good person. Yes, we all need improvement; however, that's just being human. As long as we love ourselves, we can love and be good to others. thanks for your generosity with this beautiful kit and everything else you do.

Anonymous said...

Thank you ever so much! Just a beautiful share!!!!! TUTUTUTUTU!!!!! Hugs, Deb P

Unknown said...

What a wonderful idea. I have been trying to be more patient and to use a "nice voice" more when dealing with my niece and nephew (2 and 4) that I care for every day. It's sometimes hard - but I appreciate reading your post, and it's encouraging to see someone else trying to better themselves, too. Thanks.

Jaye said...

Those are all good ideas, I'm going to try to remember to do stuff too!
Thanks for all your encouragement
Jaye

Anonymous said...

Thank you! Your blog post will be advertised on the DigiFree Digital Scrapbooking Freebie search engine today (look for timestamp: 11 Feb [LA 07:00pm, NY 10:00pm] - 12 Feb [UK 03:00am, OZ 02:00pm] ).

Sharon aka Scrapcat4914 said...

Morning Sweety!!!!!!!!!!
TY so very much for the MARVELOUS elements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOVE the LOS too!!!!!! TYFST
HUGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Esther said...

Your challenge is a great idea, it's useful to remind ourselfs and others we care it can get forgotten in hurrying about.

Unknown said...

This is beautiful. Thank you.

Glynis Peters said...

June, you have a wonderful way of covering every topic in one swoop! :)
I love the idea of your challenge and thanks for the gift, that is a lovely kit to have.
Enjoy your weekend x

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for the lovely freebie :)

Also, I very much enjoy reading your blog - you always seem to have something meaningful to say and do it in such a lovely way :)

ali x

Anonymous said...

Cute blinkie tgo with the 7 day challenge. I try to do my best everyday and still teach my (Grown) children about being thoughtful. :)
I do want to thank you for the reminder. We can never be reminded enough. Looking forward to hearing your progress.
Your freebie is so creative. TY :)

Polly said...

This is such an inspiring post. We all should practice looking inwards. You have been tagged with the Weirdest Tag award. Info and rules are in post on my blog. You already do so much, you don't have to participate unless you want to. It is all just fun. Hugs

Polly said...

This is such an inspiring post. We all should practice looking inwards. You have been tagged with the Weirdest Tag award. Info and rules are in post on my blog. You already do so much, you don't have to participate unless you want to. It is all just fun. Hugs

Chris said...

June you are the most selfless person I know and so inspiring too :D
You're a great person to know and a fabulous friend to have... I am so lucky to know you but not quite as selfless I'm afraid and I am certainly going to try to take on board all the things you have mentioned... we can all I'm sure benefit from following in your footsteps a little by taking on the challenge :D
Thanks for the freebies too... they will come in fab for some of this weeks challenges.
huge hugs
Chris xx

Cindyrelly said...

Hi June ;)

I loved reading your blog today. The challenge is wonderful and very inspiring! It seems like life has a way of making us all hurry, hurry, hurry and lose track of what is most important... that of course is our relationships with the people in our lives! Good for you on this and I can't wait to read about your progress. Hey, Thank You for A Little Love, It is Beautiful :)

{{{Big Hug}}} Cindy

VJ's Scrap Room said...

Thank you soo much.What a fantastic kit! I love it!

Anonymous said...

I think this is a great challenge you have put up for yourself and i have faith in you that you will be able to see it through. congratulations! :)

grammadiane said...

Thank You for your lovely Gift....Your Talent is very much appreciated