Sometimes I wonder if I’m misrepresenting my life.
It’s not intentional. In fact, I very much intentionally try to “keep it real” through blogging and other social media. However, even with that focus I undoubtedly end up showing you the pretty meals, happy moments and the highlights of the otherwise rather ordinary day to day. It’s just makes more sense to share our afternoon adventures rather than the endless laundry piles or my constant effort to organize a fairly chaotic house.
I know I’m not alone. Most people’s instagram accounts read like a highlight reel and honestly, I love it! I really enjoy seeing pretty meals, cute kids, accomplishments, gorgeous scenery and home decor.
And though I usually congratulate myself for avoiding the comparison trap, every once in a while it catches up with me.
I’m certain it’s just a matter of my trying to play catch up this week (Hailey’s birthday thank you cards still haven’t gone out – ::hangs head in shame::), but I’ve caught myself pinning a fabulous looking dinner, admiring my friend’s adorable homemade greeting cards, running into someone who manages to get dressed in real clothes and make up everyday, hearing how one of my friends is kicking serious tail at work and wondering how a fellow blogger manages to create fabulous content on 1200 different social media outlets consistently. How?!
Then I got an email yesterday. Such a kind, genuine email from a reader asking how I possibly manage to do all the things I do and what tips I could offer. I nearly choked on my tea. And that’s when I decided I had to post on Wednesday, because I had to answer her question.
The secret to how I do it all is this:
I DON’T.
And furthermore, all those people you follow on social media aren’t doing it all either. At least, they aren’t all doing it all ALL the time. It’s impossible and it’s OK.
Do you high five yourself for cleaning out your inbox then look over to realize the laundry basket is overflowing again?
Me too.
Do you dominate cleaning and cooking healthy food, but then feel like you’re sub par on work (or blog) performance that week?
Me too.
Do you enjoy an afternoon of being super fun mom then have no time to cook so you have to pull out freezer food for dinner?
Me too.
Do you wonder how the heck other people get their children fed, dressed and wearing matching bows when you had to resort to throwing a muffin and a ponytail holder at your children as you all rushed out the door this morning?
Me toooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
We’re all in the same boat, no matter what you have going on in life. We’re all trying the best we can and priorities have to shift a little day to day, which is why we can’t be all the things, all the time. The sooner we embrace this, the happier we can be.
If you’re struggling with this, my best advice is to tune out the clutter for a little bit. Don’t scroll through facebook. Skip checking instagram. Take a day off of reading blogs (not this one though, of course ;)). Tune out all the external noise and take a look at all the stuff you are doing everyday that you aren’t giving yourself credit for, because chances is that it’s a lot.
Then come back with a refreshed outlook. It’s OK to admire the fancy meals, beautiful clothes, hard work and perfect amazing trips of others, but keep in mind that it’s their highlight reel and you can’t compare that to your behind-the-scenes.
Hope it’s a great Wednesday! And if you love seeing some real life moments on your instagram feed, check out the ones that keep me laughing at women in real life (which I highly suggest following).
Do you struggle with comparisons on social media?
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