You are not for everybody.
I'm not for everybody. Not as a photographer, not as a parent, and not as a person in general. I feel like it's a lesson that may take an entire lifetime to learn as it naturally sucks to feel that disconnect.
But... by building ourselves around others' expectations- from our appearence to passions and choices, we're sacrificing connections with OUR ideal people.🥺The people who will thoroughly love and enjoy you, and people who WANT to be close to you. When you choose to move towards ideal people, you begin to attract people who value the authentic you.
This becomes especially important after becoming a mom. While you may not always agree on parenting decisions with your parent friends, as long as mutual respect is maintained, it often can be worked out. But if your decisions are belittled, your opinions criticized, or parenting lifestyle mocked... you may be choosing someone who ISN'T choosing you.
SO... how do you find your ideal people?
1) Expand your inner circle outwards. One of my best friends is one of my husband’s co-workers. We happened to be pregnant at the same time, with babies 10 days apart, and ended up connecting on social media. Your next mama bestie could be an acquaintance you already know of, or someone your partner knows.
2) Facebook groups. As a starting place, search: “*Your City’s Name* Moms”. That search lead me to the Guelph Moms Supporting Moms Facebook group, which has been incredible for connecting with other mamas in our area. Interact with other mamas and see who may be like-minded to you. Or… put up a friendly post to see who would be interested in hanging out!
3) Instagram hashtags & location tags. Similar to the Facebook search, type in location pins or local hashtags (i.e. *City Name* Moms) and see who’s photos you connect to. It never hurts to leave a kind comment or shoot someone a DM!
Here’s your hug, and a push, encouraging you to be bold. Forging new, healthy, relationships isn’t always comfortable. But I promise you… the reward is OH so sweet. Your kiddos deserve a loved on, supported mama. Go get em, girl.
(By ‘em’ I mean me. Hi, let’s be friends. Do you like tacos?)