We all know that no one has a perfect life--at least we think we know--there might be a few people out there really livin' the dream and all they need to be happy is to wake up and breathe the fresh, wild air and good fortune follows them wherever they go and they never have to poop in public places. But no one really knows that person because they are basically mythical creatures. Actually, they're not people at all, they're unicorns. But even though we know this, it can be easy to compare yourself and your life to other people's, ESPECIALLY on the Internet.
Obviously, you're not going to chronicle all of the sad and miserable events of your life in a photo gallery on Facebook (although that would be funny if you wanted to have a sense of humor about it). You're also not going to post a picture of the extra 8 pounds of belly fat you packed on over the winter on Instagram. Nobody wants to see that! But, despite knowing even this, we still compare. I have looked at people's pictures online and have said things like this to myself: "She is such a good mom. Her kids are always so clean. How is that possible? My kids always look like they are covered in dirt, like they're about to go on stage and perform in orphan Annie, the musical. It's not right." And just like that, I am comparing my life to other people's and it's stupid and gross. And here's why!
I recently posted a bunch of photos that I took at the aquarium with my kids. Looking objectively at these photos, it looks as if it was the perfect, fun, relaxing day for all involved. My kids look like they are so interested in these sea creatures that they may grow up to be marine biologists some day. I am smiling brightly in front of a tank of sting rays and I'm not wearing sweat pants--I look normal! There are Instagram filters on some of the photos, making them look artsy and cool. Well, let me tell you a secret. Sometimes photographs are a lie...for this was a day from hell.
I will not go into grave detail but I will say that the day started out with good intentions but when we got there it was very crowded with dark narrow spaces, it was uncomfortably warm and humid from everyone's breath and sweat, my children kept running away from me and getting lost in the crowd, the smell of the hippos nearly knocked me on my ass, and I found myself saying, "Sheleen, you can not have a panic attack in front of this penguin. You just can't." But I was going to take a picture, so help me God!
So there you have it. Nobody's life is perfect (even if the photographs tell you they are) and that's perfectly okay. :)
