As soon as I look at “#SAHM” on social media, I am bombarded with pictures perfect homes with moms who are perfect looking, all while they are milling their own flour or doing 8000 other things. Those post are great! But as a new SAHM, I was overwhelmed. Was this what my home is supposed to look like? Am I supposed to have my hair done and make up on every day? (I don’t wear makeup ever BTW) I mean I’m not “working.” So, I should be able to do it all, right?

Stop. Stop right there.

The comparison game is so real and so depressing. As soon as I get the house clean, the kids come home from school and explode their stuff everywhere. As soon as I get all the new trends in decor, the trend changes. As soon as I get the right wardrobe or perfect the latest hair trend, that changes too. Not to mention I just spent 2 hours scrolling on social media and feel horrible about myself. Again. I was constantly questioning my choices, my home, my pace, and even my calling. Other moms seemed to be doing more — more activities, more vacations, more productivity, more everything.

What I didn’t see in those moments was the full picture. I was comparing my real, ordinary, beautiful life to a highlight reel.

One of the ways I’ve learned to slow down has been to intentionally decreasing my time on social media. Not quitting entirely. Not demonizing it. Just being honest about how it was affecting my heart.

When I’m scrolling less, I’m:

• more present with my kids
• more content with what we already have
• more grateful for our daily rhythm
• less tempted to measure my life against someone else’s

I didn’t realize how noisy my thoughts had become until things got quieter. Fewer opinions. Fewer “shoulds.” Fewer comparisons dressed up as inspiration.

That space gave me room to actually listen — to my own needs, to my family, and to God.

I’ve learned that slowing down isn’t just about doing less. Sometimes it’s about consuming less. Less content. Less pressure. Less constant input. Less stuff. And in that space, peace has a way of showing up.

My journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be good, faithful, or worthwhile. And neither does yours. You’re going to be OK!