This one is a tricky one, we live in a time where there is too much information and we constantly compare to see if we are doing okay, we desire to be validated for our choice, values, beliefs and lifestyles that we choose.
Instagram Versus Reality
There is more to pictures than what we see. There are experiences we are not really told about.
The idea is to learn to be content right now at this moment as you pursue a better life for your family.
It may be better finances, a better home, a new business, more family vacations, healthier body, toned body, better schools for the children and whatever it is that you perceive adds value and wellness to your life.
It is so easy to see a family on a holiday and quickly get on a mode that wants things to happen for your own family overnight. You completely forget that you were actually pursuing your own goals for your family.
It is good to dream of a better life for your family and actually plan for it. However you have to decide that your goals and plans are good for your family at the moment.
This will also help you to be consistent in your pursuits. What you see and learn from others you can decide to choose it if
- It is in your purpose of whom you decide to be in this life
- It goes with your values, beliefs
- It is taking you closer to your goals, dreams and aspirations
Valentines Day
I am not that much familiar with this day because my husband and i chose to celebrate each other daily with the little things that consistently add up to our lives daily.
However for those who love to celebrate it, it does not mean they do not express love daily. They use this day as a reminder of their love for each other and find spontaneous ways the revive & express their love for each other.
It may come with a lot of pressure if you are always comparing yourself to other families and the kinds of gifts received on this day.
We attended a couples staycation weekend the past weekend and one of the major issues was comparing ourselves to other families and this happens a lot.
One of our family friends said there are many ways of expressing love to each other and in ways that resonate with who you are as a family, what you are able to do at this moment and one that is not forced on the other.
Enjoy the love that you have been blessed with and always remember your choices, goals, dreams, values and beliefs as a family are unique and sacred to you and God.
Ofcourse we share similar interests as people and we learn from each other but get to know yourselves and how you best express love and celebrate that because you are unique.
Family Uniqueness
Each family has its own uniqueness and it is time we learnt to celebrate that uniqueness!
Oh Instagram how we love you and you serve a great purpose in our lives. I mean we make ads for our blogs, our businesses, we share our interests, and just showing off our best pictures sometimes edited versions.
However this should not come as a frustration as we try so hard to live up to certain standards that we see on social media.
Look around you and see just how blessed you are! Each family is unique and maybe that can be an assignment to know what sets you apart from other families.
What are the things you love as a family? It it barbecues, cook outs, hiking and at times you do not like the same things but you have common ground.
Filter Information
Not everything you see is for you from your neighbour or on instagram is for you.
What are your values?
What is your purpose right now?
Learn to sift information through the noise and pick your interests, your passions, your family values in what you see reflected.
I believe this is a skill one can learn as they get to know who they really are, whom you desire to be and where you desire to go.
If this year your plans are to grow your business and build a home or get into property business. You may put on hold certain pleasures just for a certain period of time until you are able to balance your finances well.
For sometime i knew how to be disciplined and to filter what is not for me and what is for me but there more you practise self discipline less on filtering what is for you and what is not, you get lost in the crowd.
Have A Clear Direction
Easier said than done.
Understand that that lifestyle envy is not just an issue on social media but you find yourself peaking at your neighbour and what they have and suddenly you feel like you do not have enough.
I have felt cluttered with no clear direction from time to time especially when i went back on social media. Its a massive world there and you can get lost in the noise.
Ofcourse when you see something attractive, you want it for yourself but what if that is not the path for you right now.
I will make an example your plans may be to redecorate and beautify your home. Then boom a pic of someone on a very fancy vacation.
Are you not supposed to want such?
Ofcourse you are supposed to desire such things for yourself but let that not distract you from your main goal at that moment.
What you desire is to improve your children’s bedroom or you may even desire to focus on the family business for a certain period of time.
Learn From Other Families And Celebrate Them
Allow others to have their time and shine. It is okay to celebrate what others have achieved or be happy for others and knowing that it does not take your own celebrations in life!
Whether they are getting married, celebrating their anniversary, celebrating their children’s achievements or their own. It is actually good to celebrate and support other people.
At times someone has just started a new business, learn to support others These are things we learn as we evolve
As a content creator i have learnt how important it is to support others because i need others to support me too in my journey.
And Learn As Much As You Can
Such feelings are there for a purpose. We have people we look up to, they model a kind of life in a certain area we desire. Those people model that area where they excel and it is okay to learn from each other.
As you prepare to celebrate Valentines Day, learn from others but learn more about yourself, your spouse and what you like and are able to do for yourselves this valentine.
Set an intention to be content at where you are in life as you work to improving your life too. As you take a break at work or as you fold the laundry at home check in with your thoughts. Are they serving you, are you thinking good thoughts about yourself or and your family?
As you notice, choose thoughts that favour you. Encourage yourself and be grateful for life.
Wrapped In Love,
Futhi Mkhwanazi
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