A few days before Christmas, I decided that I needed a break. I was tired, agitated, stressed and couldn’t stop thinking about everything I needed to do to prepare for the upcoming holiday.

I decided to do a social media blackout. I took the social media apps off my phone and dove into ALL the things that needed to be done. Not surprisingly, I finished them in a record amount of time.

As a blogger, I spend a lot of time on social media. That is simply part of my brand. But part of the reason I started my blog is because social media puts such crazy unrealistic expectations into our lives.

Let’s just say that a break was just what I needed. It lasted about a week and I have to say, I learned a lot from my blackout. I learned how social media really effects my life.

1. I was playing the comparison game. I am guilty as charged. I was looking at everyone’s pictures and thinking how cute they looked, or wondering why I wasn’t invited to that party, or how did they afford all of those toys for their kids? I wish I could do that. And that was making me sad and like I wasn’t enough.

It was all toxic. Seriously. I hate to be cliché, but comparison is the thief of joy.

Don’t waste your time wanting what others have. You have what you need in front of you. You just have to realize it.

2. I am still guilty of mom guilt. Once I put down my phone and paid more attention to what I was doing all day, I realized that I felt bad for doing simple things, like taking a shower for an extended period of time.

I know, that sounds absolutely insane. But I would take a shower and think, gosh I should be doing a load of laundry or playing with the kids or making a donation to a charity that might save an extinct animal.

I was TAKING A SHOWER!

You don’t even want to know what went through my head when I went to get my nails done. And I rushed home because my husband was with the boys and I didn’t want to be gone too long. HE’S THEIR FATHER. He can handle it. Pretty much I need to chill the F out. And mom guilt blows.

3. My family makes me smile. My kids are pretty hilarious. My husband is very thoughtful. And hot. I am one lucky lady.

4. My family can also get on my nerves sometimes. I love them more than life itself but sometimes I just can’t stand being constantly touched. There is always a kid asking me for something. And they can’t just ask, they have to tug my hand and sit in my lap or sneeze in my open mouth or show me something in another room that ends up being a huge mess that makes me want to break out into hives.

Disclaimer: I am just being honest here people. No rude comments are necessary.

5. Life is what you make of it. If I spend my time comparing my family to everyone else’s family, I will never be happy. If I spend my time enjoying my family and the life we have built, I can be happy. I AM happy.

Life can be tough. It has its ups and downs.

Some days feel like they drag by while others go by far too fast.

Some days I laugh and smile, and other days I cry and feel guilty for not donating $1 to a charity in the drive-thru at Burger King.

But if you focus on YOU and what makes YOU happy, life can be pretty incredible.

So this social media blackout was just what I needed. I am going to schedule a weekend blackout once a month and spend time being unplugged.

For all the moms, throw your phone out the fucking window.

Just joking, don’t do that, because we all know how expensive a phone is. But do put it down and take a look at how social media is effecting your life. It could make a difference.

Until Next Time,

Jamie