As a mom, social media is a bit of a double-edged sword for me. One minute, I’m feeling inspired by a beautiful post about self-care or a DIY project that will make our home look like it belongs in a magazine. The next, I’m comparing myself to someone who seems to juggle it all: flawless kids, a spotless house, and a perfect family vacation. And honestly, it can leave me feeling… like poop.

This morning, I was scrolling through Instagram, and a friend posted her morning routine: calm, organized, and complete with a fresh smoothie for her and her little ones. Meanwhile, my kids were running around in mismatched clothes, breakfast was a frozen waffle (whole wheat at least lol), and I was still trying to find my coffee (was in the microwave). I felt that familiar tug of guilt—why can’t I have it all together?

But then, I remember the moments that social media rarely shows. Like when my kids unexpectedly hugged me after a chaotic school drop-off, or when I found a new mom-friend who shared the exact same struggles I was going through. Those moments remind me that social media isn’t always the reality. It’s filtered and edited to showcase the best (and sometimes the worst) of our lives.

I really need to remember to take social media with a grain of salt because sometimes I let myself get too in my head from it. It’s okay to be inspired, but not to lose sight of what’s real. There’s no “perfect” mom, and that’s something I’m slowly coming to terms with. So, while I keep scrolling, I’m also going to be mindful of the life's imperfections—and for embracing the mess that makes life so wonderful.

And that, friends, is what truly matters.