NOT ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD

I love having this blog. But I came pretty close to never starting it, and some days I want to come really close to shutting it down. Not because I don’t enjoy it…because I really do. It’s an outlet for me, something that helps inspire creativity and thoughts. But honestly, a blog can feel a little…dangerous. It can feel scary and awkward and even embarrassing. One of the things I had to work through before I set up my blog was the idea that people will think I am just promoting myself or just trying to get attention. “They will think that you think you have something to say…” Isn’t it crazy how easy those little thoughts and lies can douse ideas and dreams that we have inside of us? They can keep up from doing something truly amazing and impacting. With the help of my incredibly amazing husband, I was able to push through the negativity and realize that this thing can be good and right. And so I went for it!

There is another aspect that almost prevented me from starting this blog as well. It’s the reality that most things you see through the online lens into another person’s life makes that life look so perfect and ideal. Whether it’s through social media or blogging, people generally only put out the exciting, creative, and “this is awesome” vibes. And naturally! No one wants to be negative and complaining and talk only about the horrible days and experiences and failures. No one wants to post photos of dirty kitchens or burnt suppers or the sweat-pants-and-morning-hair outfits.

But what can happen in that is that it just makes life look so incredibly perfect. All we see from people we follow online is the parties and shopping bargains and beautiful meals and adorable kids and cute outfits. I’ve noticed that I can easily start feeling so down and uncool when I spend too much time looking at people’s online lives. They look so perfect and fun and awesome! Look at their gorgeous home and tasty food and trendy clothes! Why can’t I be like that? 

I never want to present that vibe on this blog, because although I love my life and it is incredible good, it is not perfect. I have hard days, failures (i.e. when I tried to make this cute little hand painted wall print and ended up writing ‘i like you and i like you’ instead of ‘i like you and i love you’…reason number fifty one on why i am not a good crafter), scary morning hair, uninspired days, and melt-down moments (usually over a failed omelette…no lie, omelettes kick my bum! and yes, i’ve actually had full melt-downs over them).

So just remember…not all that glitters is gold. Just because someone’s life looks sparkly and perfect doesn’t mean that it is. We are all human and we all have battles and mess and bad hair days.

What about you: do you find yourself feeling discouraged when you see other people’s online lives?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!