“I’ve already missed January and February…is it even worth starting now?”

If that thought has been running through your mind, let me stop you right there. I get it. Life moves fast. You blink, and suddenly it’s March, and the guilt starts creeping in. You tell yourself that if you didn’t start in January, maybe it’s better to wait until next year or—worse—you wonder if it’s worth starting at all.

Let me tell you something: That thought? It’s a lie. Scrapbooking isn’t about keeping a perfect timeline. It’s not about documenting every single day in flawless order. Scrapbooking is about telling your story. And the truth is, the best time to start is right now.

If you’re waiting for a perfect moment to jump back in—this is it. Today. No guilt. No “catching up.” Just a fresh start where you are.

The Myth of “Too Late”

We need to talk about this idea of being “too late.” Scrapbooking often feels like something that has to follow a strict order—January to December, perfectly plotted, no gaps allowed. But life doesn’t happen that way, does it? Life is messy, unpredictable, and full of surprises. And honestly? That’s the beauty of it.

So why do we hold ourselves to impossible standards when it comes to documenting that life? Somewhere along the way, we picked up this myth that if we miss a few months, we’re behind. But here’s the truth: You’re not behind. You’re living.

Your scrapbook is a reflection of your life—not a calendar. And guess what? Your life story isn’t told in a straight line. It’s made up of the moments that matter most, no matter when they happened.

Why Perfection Holds You Back

Perfection is the enemy of progress. I’ve seen it over and over—scrapbookers who stop before they even begin because they think their pages have to look a certain way, or their stories need to follow a perfect order. But here’s the thing: Scrapbooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about capturing the moments that make your life yours.

When you let go of the idea that everything has to be “caught up,” you free yourself to focus on what really matters—telling the stories that bring you joy.

Give Yourself Permission to Begin Now

Here’s the good news: You don’t have to go back and document every single thing you missed. Instead, think of this as a chance to do a recap of the first few months of the year. A quick highlight reel that captures the best moments—no pressure, no overwhelm.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Highlight Key Moments

Don’t overthink this part. Think about the things that stood out. Maybe it was a cozy snow day with hot cocoa and fuzzy socks. Or perhaps it was the quiet pride of keeping a New Year’s resolution longer than expected. Whatever brought you joy or made you pause—those are the moments worth capturing.

Pro Tip: If scrolling through your camera roll feels overwhelming, try using your emotions as a guide. What moments from the past few months bring a smile to your face when you think of them? Start there.

2. Use Simple Prompts to Spark Your Memory

Not sure where to start? You don’t have to write a novel. A few well-placed prompts can jog your memory and make the process feel effortless.

Try these:

• What’s one thing I’m proud of so far this year?
• What moment made me laugh out loud?
• What’s a small detail I want to remember? (A conversation, a smell, a feeling.)
• What’s one thing I’ve learned or discovered recently?

Bonus Tip: You can even set a timer for 10 minutes and just write whatever comes to mind. Let it flow—you can always refine it later.

3. Recap with Photos That Tell the Story

Your photos don’t need to be perfect. Seriously. A blurry snapshot of your kid laughing is just as valuable as a perfectly posed portrait. Pick 3-5 photos that capture the mood of the moment and tell the story visually.

If you don’t have a photo? No worries. Use words to paint the picture. Sometimes the most powerful stories don’t need a visual—they just need you.

Why the Joy Journal Makes It Easy

If the idea of starting feels daunting, let me introduce you to a little secret: The Joy Journal Project is built for this. It’s not about starting at the beginning—it’s about jumping in where you are.

The Joy Journal gives you a structure that takes the guesswork out of documenting your memories. With easy-to-follow prompts and space to capture your thoughts, it’s like having a gentle guide to walk you through the process.

And here’s the best part: You don’t have to do it all at once. Take it one step at a time. Send yourself a quick email with one story this week. Then do another next week. Before you know it, you’ll have built a collection of memories without even realizing it.

How to Use the Joy Journal to Recap Your Year So Far

• Week 1: Choose 3 moments from January and February that stand out. Use the prompts to guide your journaling.
• Week 2: Pick your favorite photos from those moments and pair them with your words.
• Week 3: Reflect on what themes or emotions have surfaced so far this year.

By the end of the month, you’ll have a solid foundation—and the momentum to keep going.

Ready to Jump In?

Here’s your permission slip to start where you are. Forget the pressure to be perfect or caught up—just take one step today. Because the truth is, it’s never too late to start telling your story.

Your memories are waiting. All you have to do is begin.