The Truth About “My Perfect Instagram Feed”

The truth is my Instagram account is something I am proud of. I love scrolling through my pictures and seeing special moments I get to treasure forever. It’s full of specially curated images that represent who I want to be as a mom. However, it isn’t an accurate representation of my life.

Before I take a picture I always have make up on, which only really happens a few days a week. I also use an editing app to make sure I look my best. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I have even used an editing tool to make sure the roots of my hair aren’t as dark. I’ll even out my skin tone and whiten my teeth. Basically things I don’t have time for in real life… because I have kids.

There are other tricks I use to make my Instagram feed look better. Natural light makes pictures look much better so I try to take pictures outside whenever possible. Looking for places with certain colors, parks with deep green grass or pools with very blue water can give a beautiful backdrop. I also try to keep my entire Instagram feed light and bright. When all your pictures have the same feel it makes it more aesthetically pleasing.

My Instagram isn’t real. It gives me beautiful moments of real to look at, but my life is messy. I don’t post pictures of my car, filled with cheerios and clothing. You don’t see me picking up dog poop or taking out stinky trash. Obviously Emerson is not smiling and laughing and being cute all day everyday.

Even though I know the secrets of Instagram I still get caught up in the envy of it. Looking at other moms who appear to have it all together. It makes me feel bad that I don’t have a bigger house, or go on more adventures with the kids. Then I remember these images are just a snapshot. One second in an entire day, which probably isn’t as glamorous. Let’s just all do ourselves a favor and agree to stop companiring our reality to the staged and edited pictures scrolling across our iPhones.