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.
- Ten Things I Want my Son to Know
- Receive my blog posts here.
Courtney, your thoughts really resonate with me. Although I am close to 20 years older than you, your journey with your children growing up and leaving for college mirrored my own experience when mine did the same (one off to college, the other to the the Navy, both hardest things ever). I also enjoyed your decorating style and clothing choices….all of this straight from the blog….I find instagram overwhelming and can only scroll through it for a few minutes before I start to twitch. I’ve even hunted down your blog when it didn’t show up in my inbox as expected on Saturday, Monday and sometimes Thursday. Thank you.
I LOVE your blog! Have read every word and enjoyed every picture for YEARS!
I love your blog! Please don’t stop writing and sharing.
The striped drapes and oh those adorable kids’ birthday party ideas/crafts and also I feel like there was a lot of spray painted home decor. Loved it all, but most importantly our connection through grief. You have surely enhanced my life. You can always count on me to land here on the blog:)
I’ve been reading your blog for years and it’s always been one of my very favorites because you are so genuine. I always loved seeing your with your mom on Instagram too. Those posts/stories always touched my heart so deeply. I hope you always keep your blog. I get up early every morning to drink my coffee and read my favorite blogs (no Instagram!) before I have to get ready for my work day and it’s a habit that gets my day off to a good start. I also love your emails. Thank you for all you do and share with us, Courtney.
Love your words, my friend! They speak so clearly and put into words how I often feel. Thank you for your vulnerability and honesty — your posts always speak in such a comforting way and with such intention. Reading your blog is like a cozy cup of coffee… and I just love learning where it all began. You are an inspiration!
I found your blog around 2012 via IHeartOrganizing (if she was the friend you were chatting about this with who has since left the space, I hope she is well!). I’ve loved following along but really enjoy reading the blogs the most! Instagram can really suck us in and I love the longer format of blogs 🙂
I have loved your blog since 2010–you were the very first blog I ever read! I have always loved your thoughts and beautiful things you have shared over the years! Your blog is aptly named because that is exactly what it is!!
I love your blog and have been reading it for years! It’s truly my favorite! I dropped social media a few months ago because it was truly affecting my mental health and well being. iI’s been so refreshing to reclaim the time I used to spend going down the rabbit hole of endless scrolling. I feel so much better and never truly realized the impact it was having on me until I stepped away
You know I love your blog! I came to you when I clicked over from a feature you did on I Heart Organizing. Maybe I am old school, or maybe nostalgic, but I much prefer bog posts. I am so happy you have continued to post as so many of my favorite blogs have gone away. I realize that the majority consume content in different ways, and can appreciate progress, but I do feel like a blog is a more intentional choice as a reader, rather than just the scroll that some algorithm decides should pop up in my feed. Cheering you on as always! – N