We’re all guilty of scrolling and fantasising about the picture perfect landscaped garden, the dressing up room with built-in wardrobes or the Instagrammable lifestyle.
We could be envying our friend’s new relationship, wishing we’d been able to afford a new home renovation like our neighbours or wondering how that woman from work seems to have it all together when we’re drowning under the pressure. The truth is, we can easily spiral into believing that our own lives are lacking in comparison.
So many of us work hard and strive to give our families the best of everything. I know I’ve felt the pressure, as a solo parent, to keep up with hobbies, days out and holidays that my friends and family are doing which are often a financial stretch too far for me. I have a list in my iPhone notes of projects and plans for my home, my personal life and my work life and I chip away at them slowly. It’s fair to say that in reality everything takes time but it doesn’t feel like it in that 15-30 second reel I’ve just watched where a woman put her hand to the camera and lost 3 stone when she came back on screen like some frickin Houdini. I’m still eating leftover Easter eggs if truth be told….
Where are the photos of the toys strewn on the floor and piles of laundry begging to be ironed?
We’re tricked into believing that the photos of the stylised home renovations look like in real life. I’ve convinced myself that if I buy that vase from B&M, it will transform my living room and I’ll suddenly feel zen and carefree – I’ll be even happier, if I ‘buy it now’ with the influencer’s latest 15% discounted limited time offer… I’m sure you get my drift.
Where are the photos of the toys strewn on the floor and piles of dry washing begging to be ironed, like the reality of my house and yours?
There are so many of us ordinary, hardworking people who go above and beyond for our families, our bosses and our friends and often at the expense of ourselves – somehow we end up feeling we’re “not good enough” or “not doing enough”. Why do we do it to ourselves?
There was a time when you wanted what you have now
It’s easy to get swept up in the transformational and perfection culture but we need to remember to look up from the screen and see what is in front of us. Maybe we’re going through the motions and not always appreciating the small gestures, small moments and those small connections that we have right in front of us every day.
There was a time when you wanted what you have now. I believe there’s a place for ambition that’s also rooted in gratitude.
Let’s discover it together 🫶
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With Love, Jen x
Ordinary Lass Blog 