This weekend was hilarious as we saw more and more posts on #RealityGram101. Not only are people posting their pictures but they are talking about how #RealityGram101 is making them feel okay about the life they are living.

Studies regarding Social Media and the impact the many forms are having on individuals are currently underway in many Universities, Organizations and beyond. We are all fascinated by the instant connectivity that we have yet we are becoming increasingly frustrated with our own lives, perhaps because of this.. Today, I was reminded why #RealityGram101 matters and why in its form, it is gathering people and serving as a positive place for people to connect. Jenny McGhie, who is very wise and witty and  is one who is greatly admired within her sphere of influence as a woman who knows challenge, who understands victory and who never shy’s away from hard work or adversity of any kind. She uses her life in a way that attracts people and today through Instagram and #RealityGram101 she posted this:

‘TOO OFTEN WE COMPARE OUR BEHIND THE SCENES, TO SOMEONE ELSE’S HIGHLIGHTS’

Could this comparison, coupled with an unprecedented time of connectivity be leading us down a path of loneliness, a sense of ‘not measuring up’ and in some cases overall disappointment as we look at our lives through the filter of someone else’s Highlights. I’m not sure but when I read that I was thankful for #RealityGram101 and they way it is bringing expression to what we know is behind  the Highlight we are being shown.

There is always the clean up after a beautiful meal. Someone always spills on a beautifully set table. Freshly folded laundry and an exquisite linen closet usually starts on the laundry room floor, perfect hair started wet and knotted up. The fun road trip usually hosts a fight or two. A day on the beach is accompanied by endless amounts of sand trailing through the car, the house and sometimes the bed sheets. Blurring and other filters are used to hide what we don’t want seen. So, #RealityGram101 is designed to validate each one of us and give us permission to smile when life isn’t picture perfect.

What #RealityGram101 is not: It is not approval to be lazy, to not care or to engage in what I call slothful living. It’s simply about being Real, being Authentic and putting our best foot forward.

Today’s #RealityGram101 pictures come from:

Vickie Reddy – Another busy Mumma of two who ended up ‘nit picking’ (literally). Just another thing added to her ‘to do’ list for the weekend.
Jenny McGhie – Jenny always makes us laugh with what she, her hubby Jared and their lovely son, Max get up to. Jenny’s #RealityGram101 made us all laugh as Jared decided to change a nappy/diaper man style. Definitely a ‘Man vs Wild’ moment at the McGhie home.
Rachael Watts – Whilst out enjoying a well deserved night with the girls, Rachael and her girlfriend Keren return home to their hubby’s who have been looking after their children only to find the children running around the house playing whilst the dad’s found a comfy space on the lounge to sleep.
Deb Ezzy – A busy, working, single Mumma who chose to spend her weekend painting her children’s bedrooms until the wee hours of the morning simply so they could come home to beauty and comfort. Making a house a home!

We hope you will join the fun simply by #RealityGram101 on your Instagram pictures that make us all real!

Susan xo (to see more great #RealityGram101 pictures simply click on the hashtag on Instagram and you will see what’s happening!)