Trying to find the balance of what to share has been tricky though. I don't need people to know when I work-out (or more honestly, when I don't). My West coast burrito, as delicious as it was, isn't of overwhelming interest. I rolled over my toe with a shopping cart at Target- and although I laughed at my own clumsiness and broken nail - it didn't need to be broadcasted on newsfeeds worldwide. Over the last couple years, since the birth of my daughter Elodie, my sharing has been pretty focused on the very best of our parenting journey. The sweetest, happiest, most adorable photos showing our lovely daughter doing awesome things. After moving across the country 7 years ago, it is important that my East Coast Village be a part of our lives even if they can't be here for the day-to-day stuff.
However, I've had to reflect after reading the studies revealing that Facebook makes people more depressed. It turns out we tend to look at photos of others and think their life is filled with nothing but adorable clothes, sweet smiles, and perfect family trips. The last thing I would want to do is to ever make anyone feel down. My life's goal, quite honestly, is to do the opposite.
But my tendency is to only share the good. With Elodie, for example, I was quick to share the miraculous and awesome hypnobirthing labor and birth, but I didn't feel so inclined to share the tears, lonliness, and frustrations of 4 months of pumping around the clock when nursing didn't go well. Most recently, we had the blessing of sharing our announcement of a twin pregnancy, but I didn't share the heartbreaking miscarriage earlier in the year. I'm happy to share pictures when I get to see my friends and family, but I don't post when I don't leave the house because I'm feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or frustrated.
So in the end, I guess this is my "it's good but not that good" post. I could say I don't share the downs because I'm a private person, but when I think about how much I love the people in my Village, I don't think it's fair to be private about bad and so open about the good. I never want anyone to feel alone or discouraged based on seeing only my family's celebrations.
Also, although I hope you know it, I am always, always here for you if you need someone to listen: the good, the bad, the explosive diarrhea. If you're reading this, you're my Tribe and I'm here for you.