All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.
Anatole France
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com

 

 

For the last few months after we heard the Creative Memories was filing bankruptcy, it has been a process of a slow death to a closure for so many of us that have really loved being a part of this company. (A re-birth is in the future, tho!)   We have indeed grieved the loss of what we have know.  We knew changes needed to be made for some time now, and those changes may come in the New Company launching sometime in November but it is still a loss of what was CM for 27 years. I was with the company for 14 of those years.
 

I have cried, lost sleep, been angry, agonized, complained, encouraged, had tons of conversations trying to explain what was going on to my team and customers, remained hopeful, lost hope, regained a bit more hope and spent many hours on the phone with consultant friends discussing what was happening, what we hoped would happen and what we thought would happen.  We are still waiting  to see what will happen.    

 

The quote above applies to so many areas of our lives.  I realized last night that I said to someone, "I need change, I've never been doing one thing for so long before (meaning CM)."   Then it struck me.  I've wanted change, keep saying I want a change but don't change.  It happens to so many of us.  Fear and un-certainly come in.  What will people think?  Who will I dis-appoint?  Will my friends still be my friends if I do something different?  Will I fail?  What if I succeed beyond my wildest dreams?  Will I be able to handle it?  Am I worthy of success and happiness?  I do realized these are MY fears and concerns and that others in my life do not actually do things to drive those thoughts; I have a great support system. But, my self-talk can be quite harsh!

 

I wish we lived in a society more accepting of people trying new things and changing course often.  I  operate under the old notion that someone who stays at one job for a long time is successful.  As I am typing this, I am thinking that that would have been my Father's point of view but I suddenly  realize the truth is that he was always trying something new, innovating, growing. hmmmm.. AHA moment!

 I know a friend who recently made a change and several co-workers and acquaintances were very nasty about it.  What right do they have to judge someone trying something new that they think will better their lives, even if a short term adventure!   So, self check time....am I being a supportive friend and family member?

 

I admire people that have had several unique and varied life and career experiences.   They have tried many different things and have been successful in all but choose to keep exploring their path.   Who do we know that is doing the same?  Are we encouraging them?   Is this who we truly want to be?  Will our friends and family support us?

 

Even a longed for change will be hard and will feel like part of a life dying.  Many  people are in that position of changing in our world today.  Let's all be sure that we remain positive, encouraging, supportive friends and family.  What can you do to reach out to someone today and say "go for it!  I'm right here for you!"  Have a great week and let's all try something new and support others to join us!

Blessings...



Seasons are changing and so is my season of life!

Fall is in the air.  It was a crisp cool day today and the trees on the block are starting to change color. I have to accept that Fall is upon us.  I also need to accept that as this season changes, it is my opportunity to fully embrace change in my life as well. Why is that so hard to do?  Why am I so frozen about making a commitment to trying a path.  Why have I become so afraid of making a mistake?   Questions I'm sure we all ask ourselves from time to time (or day to day) in our lives.  I know I'm not alone in these feelings, although I generally feel that way!

Today marks the day after 14 years as a Creative Memories consultant that I can no longer order products from the company as our ordering has shut down in order to launch a new company and product line on November 1st.   This has been coming from several months and I have many feelings about all that has happened and what is to come. 

My goal as a consultant was to help people tell their stories in a way that was fast and easy.  Heck, it's even about showing people that EVERYONE has a story to tell that is important.   My parents are both deceased and I have very little family. We are from a  blended family so the stories that would be important to me are not necessarily the stories important to them.   I don't have people to tell me about my parents.  I want to capture what I can remember before I am gone or can not remember myself.  I want this for my son and someday, for his children. 

As a society, we have moved away from our families and from frequent family gatherings where family stories are told.  Although, we have the option of technology to stay in touch, the stories of our past are not transferred through this medium.  We are losing our valuable family histories and connections.   I fear that this disconnected and detached from our family lifestyles will continue to lead the United States down a path the lessens our strength as a Nation that stands together.

Ok...so... Your stories are important and I'd still like to help others tell their stories.  I'd also like to help people grow (while at the same time, I grow along with them) as individuals who feel valued and fulfilled.  I want to grow connectivity to the Higher Power, to our families, to our friends and to our communities.   I want to love myself and honor who I am as I honor each individual for who they are.  I want to work with others to make the world a more connected place.

Although, at this time, I'm still not sure what my role with the new Creative Memories will be (still waiting for all the details), I know I will still be helping others while continuing to work on my albums.  I LOVE digital scrapping with Storybook Creator and Memory Manager software and will continue to use them.   I hope to transition with the company Panstoria with the software and expect others will as well.

So, the goal of my blog, at this point in time, will be to serve as a way to stay in touch with my Creative Memories customers, offers tips and resources for album making and hopefully some life inspiration as well.  This will be a work in progress and a place for my to share my point of view of the world as Fall starts and the season of my life changes as well!  I hope you'll join me in my adventure!