Myth of The Perfect Life

I’ve been thinking a lot about The Perfect Life lately. Or, more specifically, the fact that the whole concept is a myth. Despite knowing this in theory, a quick flick through my social media pages and I’d be forgiven for thinking that not only does The Perfect Life exist, but that everyone is enjoying said Life except me.

Beauty and danger abound in equal parts on social media by allowing us to share – and not share – whatever parts of our lives that we choose. I have worked hard to make Lazy Girl Fitness real, because I am real, and you are real. Inspirational and aspirational? I hope so. But the absolute non-negotiable? Achievable. Obviously I want you guys to see me at my best and happiest, but I also think it’s important that you see that my life is not like that all the time. Does it make me less follow-able to be less than perfect? I hope not. 

As a health and fitness professional, I try to practice what I preach – everything in moderation. But the fact is that I am not perfect. Sometimes I eat a tub of Messina and am not quite sure how it happened. Or I wish my stomach was flatter (see previous sentence)/legs longer/confidence higher. And you know what DOESN’T help when I’m feeling like that? The unrealistic images and ideas on my Instagram feed. I follow a lot of other personal trainers, fitness models, gyms and health bloggers, many of whom appear to live these perfect lives with 100% clean diets, intensive exercise programs, perfect bodies and not an ‘I’m having a bad day’ to be heard. Is it real? I don’t know, but probably not. Personally I like to think they’re getting around in their ratty PJs with blotchy skin and a bad haircut occasionally, just like the rest of us!

I may have more frustrations than solutions right now, but I do know one thing: Life is not about being perfect. It’s our nuances and quirks that make us interesting, individual and human, so we shouldn’t be afraid to be true to ourselves, flaws and all. Sharing all sides of who we are – even the imperfect ones – takes a lot more courage than showing only the sparkly, glamorous bits. And while I’m not suggesting we all start un-following anyone prone to those ‘my life is better than your life’ posts (sometimes they’re inspirational!), uploading ugly pictures of ourselves and complaining about what a shit day we’re having, maybe we could stop comparing ourselves to others and pretending we’re perfect people with perfect lives. Who knows, maybe we’ll inspire someone else to do the same.

Now, that would be awesome.