The online world is a beautiful thing isn’t it? It is a place for learning about the world, sharing your knowledge, exploring a new skill, connecting with others. It has become as much a part of our lives as eating and sleeping are.
But too often the online world can be misleading, especially in the realm of social media. Over 1.5 billion people actively use Facebook. And, at least among the Facebook friends that I follow, it seems that every one of them has their stuff together. Pictures of flowers from husbands, kids with awards, workouts accomplished.
You see this on blogs too. People making amazing food, doing unbelievable DIY crafts, eating perfectly and exercising daily.
Browsing Facebook, Instagram, blogs and Pinterest often leaves me in envy of others thinking, “Wow, they sure look like they have it all together. How are they able to manage it all so smoothly?”
But the truth is, behind every cute baby picture and every vacation photo shared is a real person. Someone just like you and me. Odds are that cute baby photo was a rare moment of peace in the hectic life of a new parent. And, I’m guessing, behind that awesome vacation picture were endless hours of arguing siblings.
Sometimes, on the outside, it may seem that I too have it all together. I have this blog where I share quotes and tips and advice that may give the impression that I’ve got it all figured out. But, the truth is, I don’t.
The truth is, I’m just like you. A work in progress.
So today, let’s get real. Here are my Get Naked Friday Confessions of 5 reasons why I don’t have it all together.
Husband and I Fight After Vacations
Hubby and I took our annual getaway last week. We had a wonderful time at the beach in San Diego just the two of us. But, on the way home we got in a huge argument.
After thinking about it the next day I realized that husband and I ususally fight on our way home from vacation. Which really stinks because when we should be arriving home feeling happy and connected, we instead feel frustrated and distant. Something about “returning to reality” seems to bring out the worst in us.
I’m a Terrible Housekeeper
I use that word “housekeeper” loosely. I can give the illusion that everything is clean because stuff is picked up or the downstairs bathroom is wiped down, but that is about as far as it goes. I can’t remember the last time I really “cleaned house.”
I recently bought a Roomba and it was one of the best investments I ever made. It has been a great addition to serving the illusion.
I’m Lucky If I Get Dinner On the Table
If I’m being honest I cook probably 2-3 times a week. And that’s considered a good week. Other days members of the family are on their own to find leftovers or have a bowl of cereal or we bring home some semi-healthy take out.
Most days fly by so fast that by the time dinner time rolls around I’m saying, “Shoot, I haven’t thought about what we are going to do for dinner yet. Ok, who wants Taco Bell?”
Every Night At The Kid’s Bedtime I Lose My Mind
Every night at around 7:30 I start to lose my mind. That is usually the time when things begin wrapping up so kids can start to get ready for bed.
I’m not sure what it is about this time, but by the time the kids are in bed at around 8:30 I am short tempered and exhausted. Husband has learned, out of sheer survival, to give me a little bit of space at bedtime.
I Live With Chronic Pain
I have a smile on my face most days, but behind that smile I suffer from chronic undiagnosed pain in my legs and frequent migraines. It seems I might have Fibromyalgia, but who knows. What I do know is that managing daily life and daily pain can often end in disaster. Hearing your kid say, “You have a headache again?” can be truly heartbreaking. And, let me tell you, dealing with chronic pain can definitely present challenges to a marriage. Poor husband.
See, I don’t have it all together either. No one does all of the time.
We may be good at putting on a glossy front, but in reality sometimes we are just trying to hold it all together.
I know you are probably like me and don’t have it all together either. So, what are your naked confessions of the week? Let’s get real.
Tammy
Married and Naked
Love the realness that you bring on the blog.
Thank you so much!
I love this post for so many reasons but mostly because I feel you! Social media can bring out so many emotions and the feeling that you don’t have it all together is so easy. My hubs and I always fight while on vacay, which is weird bc that seems to be the only time we have disagreements ha. And I;m always a mess at bedtime. Thank you for being so honest and sharing!
Thank you so much for taking a minute to comment. It is good to hear that I am not alone. I love hearing that I am not the only one that doesn’t have it all together 🙂
I love this raw and real look at your life. Thanks for sharing your beautiful imperfections 🙂
Awww. I love how you said that, “beautiful imperfections.” Thank you!
So, so true. Love this reminder that we’re all living REAL lives behind the show. 🙂
Yes we are. I find comfort in the knowledge that other people experience the same things that I do. Keeping up “the show” is too much work 🙂