Seriously, remove the pressures a new year brings to get your life together in a few short days. To be honest, today I’m choosing to just breathe. The kids are still off on Winter Break, and the exhaustion of parenting on overdrive is hitting kinda hard. I’m trying to figure out my focus for the blog, and well, I’m completely stuck. Thinking clearly with lots of commotion is not a strength of mine.
I do know that something’s been weighing on my mind and it’s getting “real” about the “reel”.
If there’s one thing I learned in 2016, it’s to take off some of the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect parents. You’ll see in my very first post on Instagram, I was hesitant to hop into that land of photographic perfection. I am all too aware of the highlight reel phenomenon and how it can make others feel inadequate. I know some of my pics can make it appear we have it all together, but you’d need to look no further than the current state of my house to know it’s simply not true. I do have a passion for photography, fashion and pretty things, though, and I don’t feel anyone should feel guilty about sharing the things they enjoy, but the thought of making another parent feel inadequate is pretty shitty. While you won’t find me constantly complaining about the trials of parenthood – it’s a privilege denied to many and I won’t tarnish it with negativity – I can assure you they exist. But my positivity isn’t to annoy or irritate anyone or to project a life of sunshine and rainbows. What I’ve found is that there’s power in positivity and it’s actually a method of preserving your sanity in what can be an all-consuming, overwhelming journey at times. Yes, positivity = sanity saver. It shifts your perspective, even on the most challenging days.
You also won’t see photos intended for shock value to gain followers – the bond with my kids is much to sacred and we choose only to post photos that are respectful and dignified. Many things are off the table for social media, and will always remain between us and them. But my reasons for starting this blog, and for hoping onto social media with it, is because I believe there’s amazing dialogue happening the parenting realm, and it’s happening on social channels, where many parents find reprieve from the mundane and messy parts of parenthood. And as a Mama the fourth time around, I may have something insightful to add to that conversation. I know reading articles and engaging with social media pulled me out of some dark times, and that the exchange parents are having is helping normalize flaw-ful parenting.
So in this regard, and the spirit of being open, ASK ME ANYTHING. I’m a pretty honest person – won’t sugar coat anything. What do you want to know about us? Our parenting?
Thank you to each and every one of you who takes the time to read our blogs/posts and support this endeavour. It’s been so much fun, and your encouragement means the world. Hope your New Year is off to a great start!
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