Have you ever looked at someone’s pictures on social media and thought that they or their life in general always seemed put together and well ordered? It makes sense that we share pictures with the world that are appealing, but I think it also leads to comparison–the thief of joy.
While I don’t think people would think that about my pictures or life (or I at least hope not!), I thought it would be fun to share pictures I’ve posted here on my blog or on Instagram and reveal that there’s more than meets the eye. Hopefully you’ll get a good laugh 😉
The above picture was taken on Christmas day. Jimmy and I had his family over for dinner and to exchange gifts. When this picture was taken, we had just finished dinner and were relaxing. Then this conversation happened.
Father-in-law: (looks at me intently) “Are you pregnant?”
Me: “No…”
Father-in-law: “Are you sure?”
Jimmy and I had Christmas pictures taken in November. I got bangs for the first time in years a week or two before we got the pictures done and I kind of regret it. My bangs pretty much never look like they do in that picture. Actually, my hair doesn’t look like that very often, either! That was strategic blow drying, curling, and a rare good hair day.
This picture collage is from when we celebrated my mother-in-law’s birthday. I look pretty happy in the picture on the right, but I had the worst menstrual cramps that night. I almost didn’t go, but I’m glad I sucked it up because it was a lovely evening with family. The second Jimmy and I got home I was laying on the couch with a heating pad and eating a cookie. So cliché, but it made me feel better.
This picture is from my Instagram. The caption said something along the lines of how I had a nice day with my mom. In the picture, my mom and I were on the way to an audiologist appointment because I have hearing loss and was being evaluated for hearing aids. We had a great time hanging out, but it wasn’t a fun appointment to go to, haha.
Another Instagram shot! Jimmy and I spent a relaxing Saturday morning at the laundromat… because Lola peed on our bed and we had to wash our comforter in an extra large washing machine.
This family picture was from our vacation in the Outer Banks. Lola ate something on the last night of vacation (Jimmy claims it was a diaper on the ground…we couldn’t see because it was dark) and she got so sick. She had diarrhea in the rental house and we had to clean it up at 4:00 a.m. before we left. Fun times ;).
This post was fun for me to write, and it also got me thinking about how all of the imperfections and crazy times in life are blessings. I look at every picture and see “what went wrong” but I also see what I’m thankful for.. a father-in-law that teases me, a husband to take pictures with, a working female body, my mom being willing to go to tough appointments with me, a bed to sleep on, the blessing of being able to go on vacation and have a sweet dog who eats diapers sometimes.
It reminded me of this pin I saw on Pinterest recently. We have so much to be thankful for!
Living My Full Life 
I love this post and the picture at the end. I am posting it on my FB wall right now 🙂 In the first picture, are you watching The Santa Clause? I LOVE THAT MOVIE!
Thanks, Ellie! It was so much fun to write, haha. Yes, The Santa Clause was on in the background, ha!
You’re right, we would never know what is going on behind the scenes! I think about this a lot because I think we all crave authenticity but at the same time, there’s no reason to air all of our dirty laundry ha! Such a fine line. Social media truly is fascinating…
Yes, isn’t it just weird and interesting to think about?! It’s definitely a fine line!
What a fun idea for a post! I agree — it’s easy to log onto Facebook or Twitter and think that everyone else’s lives are so much better/more exciting/more glamorous. But, in reality, no one has a perfect life.
I like the Pinterest pin you shared…very true. 🙂
Thank you! You’re right that no one has a perfect life, but it’s so easy to think they do when all we see are a few really great snapshots of it, haha.
I love this post. It is so true. There is always a story behind a picture and a lot that isn’t captured in the frame. I love this idea of keeping it real. And you’re so right – often the un-photo-worthy stuff can just remind us of all we have to be thankful for at the end of the day. Great perspective.
Thanks, Amy! You’re right about there being a story behind every picture. I can look at so many pictures and think “I was feeling this way or that way” at the moment the picture was taken, but no one else knows. Keepin’ it real is the best. Not always fun, but I definitely appreciate it when others do, so I try to be the same way!
I love this post! You and I are very similar in our view on social media I think. And this is definitely something that I like to see because nothing is ever perfect.
Thanks, Nikki! I agree with you on our perspectives on social media!!
I love this, Allie! You are such a genuine person and I find that so endearing! There have been so many photos that I have shared where I have a huge smile on my face – not because I’m faking it – there’s genuine joy there, but there is also more going on behind the scenes as well. Hard days are real life. I so appreciate your openness and vulnerability here!
Thanks, Rach! That means a lot coming from you!! I know exactly what you mean about being joyful, truly joyful, but also going through stuff behind the scenes. I think that’s one of the most amazing things about being a Christian. We may not always be happy, but we won’t lose our joy!
Good post and a really important topic to bring up. Social media is tricky. We try to create a place that reflects us, but not always want to show the “bad” and the “behind the scenes” when in reality those two are as much of a part of life as the good stuff.
So, true! You put it well–social media is very tricky haha. I think it’s great when people can talk about the good and bad and realize it’s all part of life 🙂
I LOVE this post idea. What an awesome way to show everyone that things are NOT as perfect as they sometimes appear on social media. And I especially love that pin you shared. It really is a great reminder that perspective is everything!
Thanks, Brittany! When I saw that pin, I just had to share it! Amen to perspective 🙂
Aw, I love this! So honest, and a reminder that the mishaps are part of the beauty of it all! 🙂
Thanks, Christina!! Yes, the mishaps are where the memories are, haha!!
I LOVED this sooooooo much!
And I agree 100%! We never know what’s really going on behind the scenes. This was such a fun, sneak-peak into your life.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Nicole!! It was a blast for me to type up and think back on these “precious moments” haha.