This is what the room I’m working in looks like right now. It’s pretty clean (for this room). Throughout my house there are crooked pictures on the wall, dirty dishes in the sink, clean laundry in a basket on my bed, and a dining room table covered in crap. And don’t get me started on what will happen if you open my daughters’ closet.
Needless to say, I love this post by No Idea What I’m Doing: A Daddy Blog.
I’m tired of feeling bad about myself because of the picture perfect shots I drool over on Instagram and Pinterest and Facebook. Don’t get me wrong, I like seeing them. It’s always nice to have something to aspire to. But the problem starts when that’s all you see. When your feed is all perfectly plumped pillows in flawless living rooms in the most magical evening light and impeccably dressed (stain free) babies with sweet, angelic grins on their chubby faces.
That’s when I look up from my screen at my torn couch, filthy floor, and tantrum throwing, chocolate covered child and wonder what I’m doing wrong. Why doesn’t my life look like that?
Because it’s not real!
Most of these photos are staged and styled until they look just so. The pillows are given an extra plumping. The messes are kicked out of frame. The babies are bribed with sweets that are promised after they smile pretty for the camera.
I don’t know about you, but my house seems to have an endless supply of messes. As one is cleaned up, another is being made. It’s life, friends. And if my house was shiny and spotless with everything in it’s place, my kids would be bored robots.
There’s nothing wrong with a little mess. It means you’re actually living. I just want to be reminded once in awhile that I’m not the only one. Sometimes I need to see that the seemingly perfect ladies and gents out there are fighting the fight just like I am.
That’s why I’m inviting you to #showmeyourchaos. I want you to air your dirty laundry. I want to see your life in all its gorgeous, chaotic glory. Deal? Post your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #showmeyourchaos and be sure to tag me at @cuddlesandchaos so I see it! (If you don’t use Instagram you could always post it to my Facebook page or email it to me at jen@cuddlesandchaos.com) I’ll post some of my favorites here next week.
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Hi! I'm Jen, a freelance writer and girl mom who loves reading the newest children’s books as much as I love a good psychological thriller. I believe fiercely in the power of kindness, empathy, and really good quality chocolate. When I'm not knee-deep in glittery crafts and girl talk, you can probably find me sprawled out on my couch in the middle of a Netflix marathon with dark chocolate smeared on my face. The struggle is real. 
