Why It’s Okay Not to Have It All Together
More than ever, we are given a glimpse into others lives. With so many platforms of social media, cell phone technology and communication systems, we are instantly connected. As I sit here this morning, organizing my instagram posts, messaging updates to our Cambutal community WhatsApp group, and working on Canva to make Pinterest pins, I am slightly overwhelmed by how much is ‘out there.’ And then, at the same time, I ask myself, how much of this is real?!
Most of you know by now that social media is not my preferred platform, but to some degree, as a small business owner, it is necessary. This is how we share events, ideas and gain a broader client reach. However, I will ask again, how much of this is real?
As I scroll, at first glance, it looks like everyone has it all together. Even my feed is pretty well polished, offering a glimpse of my ideal day, family moments, yoga poses, and full classes. Those things are all real, but they aren’t the full picture.
What we don’t often see in those perfectly framed squares are the messy kitchens, the tired eyes, the overwhelm that comes from trying to keep up. We don’t see the self-doubt that lingers after a class that didn’t fill, or the nights spent worrying about our children, our future, or the state of the world. We rarely share the days when we feel uninspired, disconnected, or simply too human to show up online.
And yet, these are the moments that make us real. The spilled tea, the unmade bed, the tears that come out of nowhere; they are part of the same tapestry as the joy, the laughter, and the light. When we soften our expectations of what life should look like, we make room for what it actually is, imperfect, tender, and beautifully alive.
So, if you ever catch yourself comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel, take a breath and come back to yourself. Remember that what’s real doesn’t need to be curated. It’s already within you, pulsing through every ordinary moment. We are all walking this winding path, learning as we go, and doing the very best we can. And that, truly, is more than enough.
Let yourself be real. Let the mess be part of the magic. The most beautiful lives are the ones lived fully, not perfectly.
Some questions to contemplate:
Where in your life do you feel pressure to appear “put together”?
What would it feel like to let yourself be seen as you truly are , soft edges, tender heart, and all?
What’s one small way you can show up more authentically today in conversation, creativity, or self-care?
Here’s to living honestly, loving deeply, and showing up as we are.
With love,
Loren | Creative Earth Wellbeing
Thank you for being here; for pausing, breathing, and listening. If you’d like to receive more reflections and practices like this, I’d love to share them with you through my monthly newsletter.