It can be difficult to not literally “buy” into what we think our lives are supposed to look like. I definitely feel the pressure of keeping up with certain lifestyle standards that I never intially intended for myself. I do feel it is important to present your best self to the world, and I also feel that our quality of life should feel radiant. Yet when our best self and beautiful life always gears around something we do not currently have, I am certain we must be feeding the wrong intention.
I am a firm believer in manifesting your truest desires in life, but staying clear on what they really are takes a lot of effort.
It is so easy to be distracted by everything around us. Deciding to live with only what I absolutely love and need has helped me unplug from insatiable consumerism. But I am still very aware of the buzz around me. When I think about how freeing simple living is, I feel most at peace when…
I am not comparing myself to others.
I take a break from the stress of the entertainment industry.
I prepare simple organic meals that may not always look perfect, but taste incredible.
I limit my choices of clothing so I’m not stressing over what to wear.
I am accustomed to and accepting of how I look without makeup.
I wear my hair cut into a style that doesn’t need to look flawless.
I focus on decluttering versus constantly thinking of new ways to redecorate which is what I used to do.
I remind myself of what I am passionate about, and I think about how I can share this with others.
These are all things that I have to constantly remind myself of and stay in alignment with. I have recently grown to love Instagram. As an artist I am always looking for inspiration. I’ve noticed that I have to seriously watch myself when I see that the beauty I’m observing becomes just like any other advertisement. Instead I’d love to take the perspective of viewing what I see as if I were in a museum. What comes up for you when you think of these ideas?
Enjoying all of the beauty around us in life without comparing ourselves to it is extremely empowering.
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
Natalie says
This is such a great post and so true! I also love Instagram, but find myself comparing myself to others too often.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Natalie,
Thanks! I’m really trying to just see Instagram in a new light and enjoy it for what it is. Thanks for your comment too!
Cassie says
Hi Dawn,
Great post! I too find that it takes a conscious effort to shed life’s assumptions. Yet, it is absolutely imperative that I do so for my own well being. To enhance the quality of my life, I strive to be intentional about redefining for myself the ideals of family, education, career, beauty, home, and health.
Maintaining course on the road less traveled has offended some family and friends. My decisions and actions against the status quo have led others to have to question it for themselves and the potential for pain may have been too great to allow exploration. We all have an internal compass and if we listen to it, it will guide and lead us towards our true selves and what really matters.
Undoubtedly, questioning long held beliefs can be very frightening…but also very, very rewarding and, dare I say, empowering. I too was scared, but in the challenge lies the path to the reward…a life of simplicity by where the journey of life is cherished in the little moments of the everyday.
Chao
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Cassie,
The path less traveled usually brings up some things for the one on it and others observing. It is always more rewarding though. Also we never really can know what anyone else is going through or experiencing. Focusing on our own personal peace is a more valuable use of our time anyway. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
Kimberly says
Very insightful post, Dawn Michelle.
The points you mention should be nurtured from early childhood to provide a strong foundation to last a lifetime.
There is soooo much wisdom in what you said about buying into the thought that our best self and most beautiful life is something we don’t have – yet.
It takes gratitude, inner reflection, honesty and self love/worth to embrace and live the concept of “enough.”
Love your blog!
Kimberly
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kimberly,
The concept of enough is definitely a state of “gratitude, inner reflection, honesty, and self love/worth”! I love exactly how you put that. It would be ideal for these concepts to be taught at an early age in life. Yet nurturing our inner child is the next best thing if not. Life is truly a journey of everything. Thanks for the compliment and for sharing your thoughts!
Sandy says
I can relate. I have a friend that says after she looks at pictures and images(personal or otherwise) offline, online, in magazines or ads, if she feels drained afterward, instead of rejuvenated, that’s a sign it’s time to move out of that energetic expression.
Social media has vast potential to expose us to improved and new ideas for living, but often the distraction comes by the hypnotic seduction of manipulative techniques used by marketing masters. These techniques can creep into our psyche and make us feel less than “perfect.” There’s illusion and reality.
Beauty is an inner quality that goes from inside to out and it can’t always be captured with slick images.
When I leave your space (or your home online) I feel encouraged, relaxed and more aware of the possibilities to bring more beauty in my life.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Sandy,
Oh wow! I am honored by your kind words! I do know what you mean by the distractions online and feeling drained as well. It is amazing that there is an actual energy on different sites and social media. Thanks for sharing your insights and I hope you are having a wonderful day! <3
Romina says
I really appreciated this post. I have a lot of passion for art as well, I am currently studying to be a professional in painting and drawing and have been doing so for quite along time. However, it can be stressful when my work doesn´t come along the way I want or the fact that I cannot currently work for a living doing what I love instead of a regular job.
So I also used to be thinking all the time about what my next purchase should be to escape this and other personal issue. Even window shopping gave me (it still does) a thrill that helped me feel better about my life. I somehow thought getting that cool-hipster-girly-dress whould make me actually be that person on an unconcious level, when in reality you end up being the same one and the happiness of the purchase soon wears of.
I have a ethical and sustainable fashion blog now which has helped me realise the effects this consumerism habits have have on society, the environment and my piece of mind. I only buy responsibly-made or second-hand clothes now, though I am still trying to fight the urges to shop when I´m depressed or insecure.
It´s good to know someone went through those experiences as well =)
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Romina,
Thanks so much for sharing this! You are definitely not alone with this. Have a wonderful weekend!