Just the other day, I had a conversation with someone who I’ve always looked up to. We started our blogs around the same time and I always looked to her for inspiration on how to stay grounded in what truly matters. She has since stepped away from all of this and asked me, “How do you feel about Instagram these days?” Powerful question that made me pause.
I chose to marinate on that one for a bit. “How do I feel about Instagram these days?” While layered and not a simple answer, I think me response has always felt true to who I am. One foot in and one foot out. It’s a complicated question when it involves your career. If it didn’t, I think my answer might be far different. But deep down I am so incredibly grateful for the avenue that allows for me to be creative, share what I love and connect with wonderful people. I can honestly say that some of my dearest friendships were born on Instagram but live on in the real world. Without it, I wouldn’t have some of the most incredible people at my side.
I still use Instagram like I am flipping through a glossy issue of Better Homes & Gardens or Southern Living. I pour over the inspiration and I am a sucker for a well captured still shot. I am inspired by beautiful stories and humbled by those doing really profound things. And where would I be without Babs? Yes, there is a side to IG that can become a black hole of sorts. It can feel suffocating, isolating, frightening, and straight up toxic. The comparison game is dangerous and never ends well.
But we have agency. We can engage with accounts that bring us joy. We have the power to adjust the dial. Less is always more. I’ve started a practice where I do not touch my phone for the first hour of my day and it’s been a game changer. I choose how I want to feel in the morning and I choose my thoughts. I refuse to hand that over to anyone else. That’s not to say I don’t waste plenty of time scrolling during the day because I am guilty of that, too. Placing my phone in my room and leaving it there is often a good call.
At the heart of it, I love community. I love interacting with all of you and hearing about your lives. Many of us have messaged each other for years and that means something to me. Everything in moderation can apply to social media, too. With an ever changing world and the explosion of AI, it’s vital more than ever to not only maintain, but strengthen our relationships and sense of community. Across the board, my friends and I have differing opinions on an array of topics and that makes it even more rich. To learn and grow because conversation is encouraged. . . that’s a true friendship.
While I may be one foot in and one foot out over on Instagram, my feet are firmly planted here on this blog. This is where it all started. This is where my roots run deep. This is where I was sewing striped drapery panels for our kitchen during nap time and mixing patterns that probably shouldn’t have been mixed. My children have grown up watching their mom share projects, home decor, recipes, travels, and the hard stuff. And it’s been a blessing. More than anything, I value this space where we can come as we are – away from the noise. You are always welcome here and I will forever cheer you on. There is enough darkness in this world and I hope you always feel like this is a soft place to land, a quick respite or a place for connection. To those of you who have been with me since the striped curtains, thank you for choosing to stick around. Here’s to seeing what’s next and to always rooting for one another.
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