{uncomfortably} real life.

I had a redefining moment a few weeks ago on social media.

This happens every so often and I’m thankful it does.

I posted a picture on Facebook of our playroom in complete disarray with a caption about how I genuinely love seeing the toysplosion of little kids after big play.

The post was met with several “same here” and heart emoji replies, in addition to one or two comments about the amount of toys pictured and the responsibility of my boys to clean them up.

Fun fact: it doesn’t matter how many positive comments I receive, I will obsess over a single hint of criticism for weeks.

<font-family: sarcasm> It’s one of the many perks of being a people pleaser.</font-family: sarcasm>

It doesn’t matter what was said or by who, what matters is how much I let my blown-out-of-proportion interpretation of it affect me.

“She’s right. We are ungrateful hoarders. Our boys are horribly irresponsible. We have no idea how to do life. I’M FLAILING SOMEONE SAVE ME.”

….all untruthful, unreasonable thoughts that are pretty good indicators that my heart and my security needed some adjustment.

I deleted all the social apps from my phone for a time; an exercise I do periodically as a way to keep my identity in check.

When I unplug, I reevaluate.

What am I doing on social media? Why do I post what I do? How will I feel if no one responds to my messages? How will I feel if someone criticizes me?

Until I have peace about the answer to those questions, I stay offline.

And, as usual, here’s where I land:

Social media is a powerful tool that can be used to spread light and joy or to circulate filth and darkness. It can unite or divide. It can depict the beauty in every day life or contribute to the filtered illusion of perfection.

Maybe social media isn’t for you and that’s great. But if it is, choose a camp.

For me, I choose to spread joy. I choose the beauty in the mess. I choose the laughter that comes from real life lived alongside real people.

I hope you choose those things, too.

{uncomfortably} real life.

One of the best decisions we made after Davis was born was having a 4-day-postpartum lifestyle photoshoot done.

Real life, real kids, real messes, real post-baby-belly flubber.

These pictures make me laugh and cry and smile. They make every fiber of my being emote.

So, if nothing else, I hope this tiny slice of the internet occupied with stories of Team Brooks brings joy, laughter, and a sense of unity. I hope swapping experiences about the hot mess of life on planet earth brings us closer to the God of extravagant grace.

Also, I hope you enjoy the following pictures as much as I do because LIFE IS HILARIOUS.

// photo cred to the talented Angela Wynn. Check her out.