How I Live My (Real) Life
What does real life even look like anymore?
Hello LifeWalk family!
So, I’ve been pondering expectations lately… a lot. Probably too much. Expectations aren’t inherently bad, but when we let the expectations of others decrease our worth, well, then we get into murky waters and often find ourselves on a downward spiral.
We think we’re expected to do all the things. But in reality, it’s all in our heads. We often think too much instead of feeling and living according to our feelings.
So, here’s to high expectations of living your best, real life in your own way 🥃
~Suzanne
When I was in my 20’s living in central Virginia, my coworkers and peers had goals to have their homes featured in Southern Living Magazine. They strived to buy only top of the line furnishings from specific furniture dealers and kept their homes spotless. Certain rooms were not to be used, ever, lest Southern Living came knocking to do a photo shoot.
I grew up in a home that was lived in. It was clean, but certainly not Southern Living or showroom ready. My first apartments were also tidy, but not high fashion. When I bought my first home, it was a new build, so everything was pristine and brand new… at first. But, within a few months, it was definitely “lived in”.
My home is “my home”. Not just a house. Not a status symbol. It is a place where I made forts out of cardboard boxes with my children. It is a place where I cook comforting meals and kick my feet up with a glass of bourbon at then end of a hard day. It’s a refuge away from people after working with the public during the day.
I have three four cats and a significant other… so there are dishes in the sink, fur on the furniture, and full laundry baskets.
With the presence of image based social media, we are shown examples of “the perfect life” daily.
The perfect home office.
The perfect family unit.
The perfect vacation.
The perfect body.
While it’s no longer a copy of Southern Living magazine on the coffee table, it’s the Instagram post, the Pinterest recipes, and the Tik Tok workout.
My reality is not the snapshot that took 14 takes to get “perfect”
My reality is not the “staged” kitchen with a spotless stove and a store bought pastry.
My reality is not the six pack abs after two hours of Pilates.
What does your reality look like?
What I’m Reading This Week
Here are some other ‘stacks that have caught my attention this week. Check them out and subscribe or share if you like what they have to say:
This hit home today! Needed this insight….Thank you! Mahalo & ALOHA ♥️