It's okay to be you.

I often find myself at my computer, trapped by the running stream of Facebook posts. I can't look away; it's like a wreck. Many of those well intended posts offering advice. We all love advice. I especially receive it well.... A thousand ways to be a better friend, a perfect mom, or a submissive wife (excuse me while I puke a little). I can hear the tsking and head shaking but you can stop. I'm not recasting judgement here, I'm simply sharing my perspective. Frequently I heed said advice and try a new method for being the "best mom", and I occasionally read some of the ideas for being a better bride. I've even tried the "how to clean your house more efficiently" one. My house still looks like shit. These, ahem, informative posts actually cause me stress. I sit and ponder...."should I do that?" "did she really say that?" "is he going to leave me?" "am I going to hell?" "am I a bad mom?" It's out of control. I know I'm complaining and could just give up Facebook, but I'm not quitting. How else am I supposed to brag about my spectacular children? But I offer up a public service warning. Stop trying to please your Facebook friends. Don't let their posts influence you too much. So what if she breastfed 7.5 years. That's amazing! Our bodies are extraordinary. Would I do it? Hell no. One year and done. But I think it is beautiful. Stop calling it weird or gross. If you think it is, then put your titties away and don't do it. This is only one example. Every bit of advice seems to start an opinion war. We all have strong feelings about most things and are quick to "unfriend" someone who disagrees with us. I believe it's because it challenges us to think differently; that is a good thing but also quite difficult. So don't let it make you feel bad. Don't let it convince you that you're doing everything wrong. Look at your own parents' methods- what worked, what didn't? Now go do your best. Don't beat yourself up. And for the love of God, stop judging others! And Jason, if you're reading this, I love you but submission ain't really my thing....