Not For You

We are in the golden age of information. Open up your favorite app, and you are inundated with quick bursts of information. Some people claim that by making simple changes, such as altering your perspective, rephrasing your thoughts, incorporating a new coping skill, taking a supplement, or adjusting your diet, you can feel better.

Many things claim to be the missing piece you’ve been looking for.

And sometimes? Sure, they may be right. It’s great when the sustainable changes we implement create noticeable differences.

But lately, it’s like I inevitably open social media, and I’m just consumed by overwhelm. Much of my algorithm is geared towards parenting, and there are so many great ideas out there. And so many things that claim to help raise kids the best way and lead to the best adults.

But then I came across something on the Wild + Free Instagram page, and it said, “I don’t know who needs to hear this, but just because something is a good idea doesn’t mean you have to do it.”

And what a lovely exhale that provided me. It released the weight of consuming this information and then feeling the pressure to implement it, and instead gave me permission to recognize its goodness, but know it doesn’t need to be for me.

And this is fitting for much more than just social media. Things your family of origin did growing up, your friends are doing, your role models, co-workers, and anywhere you find yourself comparing with others, know that all of these places you can appreciate what those around you are doing and equally hold space that, at least for right and possible for forever, it’s not for you.