The Truth Behind My Instagram Feed [Part Two]

In my last post, I talked a little bit on how we can’t compare our lives with those of images on Instagram (or any social media outlet) because what we’re seeing isn’t total reality.  Its hard to be inundated with daily glimpses of sleeping babies, craftastic toddlers, organic meals, or spotless houses and not think, “What am I doing wrong?”

I’m definitely not saying that we shouldn’t capture and post those adorable pictures or sweet moments that happen.  Not at all!  Because that IS real life as well–and I love seeing them! I just know that I personally have started to think more of how to balance what I am portraying through my feed by asking myself the following questions:

• Is what I’m posting accurate of real-life?
• Is it funny, encouraging, or honest?
• Is it staged?
• Am I trying to “humble brag” or show off an aspect of my life, which could lead others to feel envious or jealous?

I know most of you reading this can relate. What would our feeds look like if we posted real snapshots of everyday life–as it is without any posing or retakes involved? What if we were to use our media outlets and families as a way to encourage and empower others?  To help shutdown the unhealthy comparisons?

Just take a second and think about what this would look like. I am so thankful for the feeds that I do follow that make me laugh so much at the honest portrayals of real life.  Not because they are complaining or unhappy in their mom role, but because they are 100% transparent and not only posting highlights. Before I was a mom, I loved seeing not only the cute and perfect pictures of smiling babies, but those friends of mine who also posted the after-dinner pic of their messy toddler or a pic of the 2 a.m. feeding that gave me an accurate glimpse into motherhood. And even though it scared me at times, I was and still am so excited to be a part of this crazy momma world.

So let’s start today! Here at Red Stick Moms Blog, we decided to get the ball rolling by showing our very own glimpses into our #redstickreallife and we’d love for you to join too! Whenever you come across those moments that you would like to share that reflect those real-life moments or that may encourage other moms and remind them that we are ALL in this together–cute babies AND messy houses alike–then tag your pic with #redstickreallife. My hope is that it will serve as a great reference for those of us who need a reminder on days when we start playing the comparison game–to see a gallery of local, fellow moms who have similar realities and battles that we all face.

And feel free to stick in a few unposed, candid shots of your cutie too! Those are always the best anyway.

So tell us, do you have any #redstickreallife moments? (Note: If you want non-friends on Instagram to see your tags, be sure and make your profile public.) Be sure to follow us on Instagram @redstickmoms!