I hear it all the time. “Natalie, how do you do it all??” The short answer is: I don’t!
When people see that I have my own business, I have kids, I have my garden, I spend a lot of time having outdoor adventures, etc., they can’t believe I somehow balance all of these things. They may make comparisons and wish they were able to balance all the things it seems like I can balance. I know the feeling. I see so many people online and I just wish I was able to do all of the things they are doing. But, at least in my case, what you don’t see is just as important as what you do see!
I want to talk about how balance is a myth and how comparisons can be dangerous. The truth is that life has ebbs and flows for everyone, and that if it ever seems like someone is doing it all, they definitely aren’t!
Balance is a Myth
There is never ever a time in my life when I’m balancing everything! I have a lot of important aspects of my life. My kids, my family, my job, my wild spirit, my relationship, my home, my hobbies, etc. I often talk about balance in terms of an orchestra. Sometimes the wind instruments are the loudest, then they get softer, and the brass gets louder, then the strings… that’s how life is. Sometimes my job is the loudest, and the other aspects of life are still there, but not in the forefront. Other times it’s my kids, and the rest of life fades to the back. I think we can all relate to different parts of life being the most important in certain moments, and how often that shifts.
There’s never a time when my business is being super productive, and I’m spending every minute with my kids, and my house is completely clean, and I’m spending every day out in the wilderness, and I’m working out every single day, and my garden isn’t a jungle. It’s never balanced, and that’s okay! That’s a reality of life.
Don’t Make Comparisons
What we all post on social media is such a tiny portion of what goes on in our lives. The reality is that I don’t often post when I’m trying to fold my mountain of laundry, or when I’m spending hours working at night, or when I’m having a hard day with my kids. I post rafting videos, and walks through my garden, and camping trips. Social media tends to be a highlight reel. I really do try to be real, and to post the hard things as well as the good things, but in the balancing act of life, those things don’t always make it on camera. That’s why it’s important not to compare your real life to someone’s highlight reel on social media.
We are all doing the best we can with what we have. That includes YOU, too! If you feel like you’re not “doing it all” like someone else is, just know that you’re doing your best. We all are. And while it may seem like someone else has it all together, I promise you they don’t! None of us do.
How do I do it all? I don’t. None of us do. We are all just doing what we can to keep all of the important pieces of our lives running. Sometimes certain pieces run a little more smoothly than others.
Balance is a myth, and comparisons are never helpful.
Give yourself grace, and know that none of us have it all figured out!
xo Natalie ❤️
P.S. If you’re looking for more content like this, I share advice, motivational tips, and personal stories on my podcast. Click HERE to listen!
