Truth: We live in a society dominated by social media, which is in turn ruled by perfection- perfectly set photos of perfectly set lives of perfectly perfect people- one can fast fall into a pit of feeling perfectly imperfect. Please do not get me wrong, I loveeee Instagram and Pinterest and all of the other social media sites available for inspiration as much as the next person! There are times though it all gets overwhelming….. and the day comes when you’re trying to do your thing, and it just isn’t working in that perfectly portrayed way.
I fell in love with this sweater from H&M for the holidays and couldn’t wait to take pics of it perfectly paired with my patent leather red boots! However, when I finally did put on the ensemble I was getting ready for a long work shift, struggling to finish a 10 page paper, studying for an exam the next day, and balancing laundry, dinner, and holiday prep. Despite feeling overwhelmed I asked my Sweet Babboo to take a few quick snaps; we went out and took a bunch of photos, then I rushed off to try and put a dent in everything I needed to accomplish.
When I finally got the chance to look at the photos, my first thought was “what a mess! These will never see the light of day, much less the glow of the internet.”
My sweater is covered in dog hair, my own hair is frizzy, there’s no life in my eyes or smile. Anyone who has ever blogged has had this photoshoot- the one you pushed and to your eyes is flawed, unworthy, and imperfect.
There was a good break down as I sat staring at the dog haired covered jolliness. I couldn’t balance it all, and do everything to Instagram perfection. I put the pics away expecting to never look at them again, of course things never happen how we expect- I came across this photo from the shoot on my phone and had a realization:
My life isn’t perfect.
I’m not perfect.
Those are really hard things to admit.
Truth: I don’t have to be perfect- the dog hair shows I have a puppy who adores me and always wants to be as close as possible; the pictures in and of themselves show I have an amazing husband who is willing to drop everything to help me. I need to focus not on the little imperfections, but on the big picture: I have a job I love. I am blessed to be able to continue my education. I am blessed to not only have food, but enough to have to make a decision on what to cook. I am blessed to have so many clothes that laundry doesn’t have to be done right away. I am blessed to be able to do a hobby I love, one that makes me happy.
Truth: Yes, I get tired, and stressed, and overwhelmed, but show me the one perfect woman who posts a picture that doesn’t have any imperfections outside that little frame.
I’m making a promise to be easier on myself in the future, to not judge myself, to let myself drop the ball from time to time. Despite the initial heartache they cause, I’m glad to have these pictures to look back on to remind myself: it’s all going to be ok.
Do you do the same thing? I’d love to hear how you accomplish everything you have to do!
Love that scarf and sweater! Its adorable! You look so pretty and comfy! Love reading this post and totally agree with you!
No one is perfect and it is totally ok not to be perfect! 🙂
http://www.styleroundtheclock.com
Thank you so much for your positive reply! Hearing from others that imperfection is ok is so great. Hugs, Kait
I am loving that christmas sweater <3 So cute!!
Thank you so much! Hugs, Kait
I love that sweater – so fun and cozy looking! I share your dilemma about social media too. It seems that it is too glamorized at times and it does not speak about my real life. It puts so much pressure on us, but I try to not let it affect me too much!
xo,
Abby of Life in the Fash Lane
It is such a fun sweater, I just love Christmas ones. You are so right about not letting it affect you! Hugs, Kait
First off, your sweater and scarf are amazing! Second, I feel the EXACT same way! I know we all do at times. You are amazing for posting as often as you do while working, going to school, ect! You are a HUGE blessing to me Kait! I can’t wait until finals are over so we can have some much needed girl time!
xoxoxo, your blogger bestie!
Thank you so much love!!!! I can’t believe we have both been struggling with it. You are so amazing and inspiring and I’m sooooo blessed to have a blogging bestie like you!!!! A million and one hugs, Kait
Kait – I love how real you are in this post! I have to admit, I thought it was cat hair lmao. But you are correct in not beating yourself up over it! xo Annie
http://collectivepassions.com
Annie, it’s soooo easy to forget with everything that has to happen, but I’m trying my best to be more mindful of it. Thank you for reading love. Hugs, Kait
I totally agree with you doll! You are so beautiful and inspiring. You look so comfy yet chic.
Xo, Raysa
Thank you Raysa!!! Hugs, Kait
Kait, I absolutely loved this post! So real and so relatable. Thank you for sharing and for reminding all of us it’s OKAY not to be perfect. And I agree with Molly, I didn’t even notice all those little “imperfections!” You are a shining light and I love following you on your journey. Keep being YOU! xo
Jen | http://www.lettersandpearls.com
Jen, you are so kind! Thank you for letting me know your thoughts on the post and your sweet compliments. I love your emphasis on being YOU, it’s really the only person we each know how to be and we should never let society change that. Hugs, Kait
I am i love with that sweater, but that plaid scarf is life!
Eleventh & Sixteenth
It’s so cozy! Hugs, Kait
This post is amazing! Every. Single. Word. I am so encouraged when I read honest posts like this because guess what? I feel the same way! And the best part is I never would have even noticed the dog hair until you pointed it out. That’s how much your inside beauty shines through! Keep shining and keep smiling! You are truly beautiful!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
Thank you so much for your response Molly. You have been such an inspiration to me since we connected, and you have been influential with causing me to be more open when posting. You are an amazing woman and to have you comment what you did means the world to me. Hugs, Kait
That Christmas sweater is adorable! I love this time of year. Thanks for sharing! #stylecollective
Morgan England
http://www.girlonthemove.net
Thank you love! Hugs, Kait
Love your openness and honestly and seriously, go you for posting this and sharing all of your perfect imperfections.
I’ve been wanting to find a way I’m comfortable with to share more of my true self and not just one part of me. Thanks for showing me how.
xS
Thank you so much for your support Sofia Clara, it means so much. I love how you put it “perfect imperfections”, it’s definitely all about your perception and attitude. Hugs, Kait