scrapbookingforthesoul – GemsPaperScissors

Have you ever opened Instagram, seen a perfectly styled layout, and instantly questioned your own creativity? We all have. Comparison is sneaky. It shows up as admiration, but often leaves behind doubt. For those of us who’ve survived trauma, battled chronic illness, or are healing from burnout, comparison can be especially painful—it chips away at the safe space we’re trying to build.

But creativity isn’t a competition. It’s a path. A practice. A deeply personal journey.

🌿 Why we compare:
We compare to feel connected. To orient ourselves. But in a creative space, that habit can become harmful. Instead of inspiring, it can paralyze us. Especially if we’re already feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

🧠 Comparison tells us lies like:

“Your work isn’t good enough.”
“You’re behind.”
“Why even bother?”
“Look how much better she’s doing.”

✨ The truth is:

Your story is unlike anyone else’s.
You are allowed to create slowly.
You don’t have to share your work to validate it.
The messiest page can still hold the most meaning.

Last month, I spent hours on a layout that didn’t come together. I almost gave up—until I reminded myself it’s okay if it’s just for me. That shift in mindset helped me finish it and actually love the result.

💗 Reframing your mindset:

Instead of “better,” try asking: What’s different?
Instead of “behind,” try: What do I want to feel?
Instead of “they’re better than me,” try: I admire their style. I’m finding my own.

Comparison is a thief of joy—and creativity. The next time it sneaks in, pause and ask: What is true for me today? Then create from that space.

➡️ Need a judgment-free space to reconnect with your creativity?

Download my free Bloom Tracker to focus on consistency, not comparison
Subscribe to the newsletter for gentle encouragement each week
Share a photo of your real, in-process work using #CreatingWithoutComparison and tag me @gemspaperscissors—I’ll cheer you on every time 🌸

As we enter a new month, there’s a beautiful opportunity to set creative intentions—not with pressure or perfection, but with permission. Permission to be messy, gentle, and joy-filled. May is a season of blooming, and with it comes the chance to align your creativity with what your heart needs most.

Setting a creative intention can be as simple as choosing one word or phrase that will guide how you want to feel or show up creatively this month. Here’s how to do it:

🌸 Step 1 – Reflect: Ask yourself: What do I need right now? Do you need rest, expression, color, quiet, connection?

🖋 Step 2 – Choose a word or phrase:
Some examples: peace, play, explore, express, reconnect, soften, rise.

🎨 Step 3 – Create a visual reminder:

Make a mini journaling card with your intention.
Stamp the word onto a tag or 3×4 card and display it in your space.
Use a Stampin’ Up! color that evokes that energy—like Fresh Freesia for softness or Old Olive for grounding.

🧘‍♀️ Step 4 – Anchor your crafting:

Begin each session with a breath and your word.
Use your word to guide your layouts and color palette.
Let it be a soft focus, not a strict rule.

My intention this May is nourish. I created a soft 6×8 layout using So Saffron and Petal Pink cardstock with a quote that reads, “This is how I care for me.” It reminds me that creativity is a source of healing and rest.

You don’t need to force creativity—just let it meet you where you are. Your intention will carry you gently forward.

➡️ Want support all month long?

Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly prompts and gentle encouragement.
Follow me on Instagram @gemspaperscissors to see my own creative intention unfold.
Share your word with a card or layout using #CreativeIntentionMay and tag me so I can cheer you on!

Tag: scrapbookingforthesoul

Why Comparison is a Creative Block

🌿 Why we compare:
We compare to feel connected. To orient ourselves. But in a creative space, that habit can become harmful. Instead of inspiring, it can paralyze us. Especially if we’re already feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

Comparison is a thief of joy—and creativity. The next time it sneaks in, pause and ask: What is true for me today? Then create from that space.

Creative Intentions for May

🌿 Why we compare:We compare to feel connected. To orient ourselves. But in a creative space, that habit can become harmful. Instead of inspiring, it can paralyze us. Especially if we’re already feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

Comparison is a thief of joy—and creativity. The next time it sneaks in, pause and ask: What is true for me today? Then create from that space.

🌿 Why we compare:
We compare to feel connected. To orient ourselves. But in a creative space, that habit can become harmful. Instead of inspiring, it can paralyze us. Especially if we’re already feeling vulnerable or uncertain.