Blogging Without A Picture Perfect Life

There’s so much pressure online to have a picture perfect life and to have every moment Instagramable, that it can be very daunting to think of starting or maintaining a blog. Do you need to have everything put together and looking immaculate in order to share your story online? I’m here to remind myself and others that the answer is “no.” Here are my tips for blogging without a picture perfect life, and how I’m letting go of perfectionism as a chronic illness writer.

I am a perfectionist, or at least someone who’s trying to be less of a perfectionist. My preference would be to wait to share my writing or photography or crafting until I’ve gotten it polished and as close to perfect as possible. But I live with multiple chronic illnesses that greatly limit my energy and ability to accomplish even routine tasks, so even publishing one post on my blog is a challenge.

I’m writing this post for two reasons: I need to remind myself not to be harsh on my blog or compare myself to other bloggers. Also, I want to offer encouragement to anyone who feels dissuaded from blogging because they feel like what they produce has to be perfect.

We could all use reminders to let go of the illusion of perfection.

Letting go of perfectionism as a blogger and writer

My health has been a lot worse over the last five or so years, and I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I can’t do a lot of what I used to. I’ve been blogging for (almost) three years now, and one of the challenges is knowing that whatever I share will still have some imperfections.

And I have to remember that’s okay.

It seems typos sneak into my writing, partially due to brain fog, no matter how many times I spell check and double check.

Thankfully, friends, family, and other readers kindly point out when they notice something wrong so I can fix it. I really appreciate when others look out for me this way! I’ve become much more okay with this kind of imperfection, partly because people are so understanding and realize it’s a minor mistake, versus a reflection on my intelligence or my writing ability.

Stop comparison to others’ output

One of the things I’ve had to let go of is the idea that I have to blog weekly or even more frequently. Or be active on all the socials, send a weekly newsletter, be guest posting all the time, etc. Healthy people might be able to maintain that blogging schedule, but I’m more aware of my limitations now and more accepting of them.

I don’t have to go big or go home. I’d rather put out fewer blog posts and be happier with their quality. So right now I’m posting every other Friday, which ends up being two to three times a month.

Flexibility beats perfectionism when you’re blogging about chronic illness.

Photograph the life I have, not the life I think I *have to* have

Oh, how I would love to do photo shoots, try on pretty outfits at beautiful locations, and artistically arrange my craft supplies and finished creations!

I love photography, and have done engagement and graduation photo shoots, and I feel frustrated when the photos I post don’t necessarily reflect my skill.

I just don’t have the energy to put together elaborate picture perfect photo shoots. When I’m crafting, I have to settle for grabbing my cell phone and snapping a few photos. Otherwise I would use all my energy on taking pictures, and not be able to create anything.

Another challenge is editing. Because of my fibromyalgia and multiple health issues that contribute to fatigue, it’s painful and exhausting for me to sit at my computer. I have to limit how long I am upright and editing photos.

But I want to make time to create, and share what I create with my readers, so I’m hitting “post” without those Instagram-worthy photos. I am embracing the use of stock photos in Canva, and when I take my own photos, I settle for good enough.

Embracing the imperfect in what I’ve created

I’m trying to view my writing and photography more the way I view my craft projects. For instance, I love making cards, and the little imperfections prove that they are handmade.

I want to bring that same attitude to my blog. I’ll try my best, and hopefully those who receive it will see the love and care that goes into it, and see how it’s a unique creation that couldn’t be made by anyone else except me.

I don’t have to fake a perfect blog or a perfect life

My readers know about my health limitations and challenges in daily life. I need to remind myself that I shouldn’t feel pressured to live up to some made up standard or ideal life.

Swapping our stories and sharing our struggles make us feel we’re not alone, and that’s true of everyone, not just those of us with chronic illness.

By opening up about my struggles, I also hope to point others to Jesus. When I talk about my faith, people can know it’s not fluffy sentiment, but down-in-the-trenches evidence of a good God who offers hope during the toughest times.

And maybe by sharing my imperfect life, others will be encouraged to be real and share their stories.

The importance of chronic voices

There are so many barriers for those of us with chronic illnesses to share our stories, I would hate for the idea that you have to produce picture-perfect content to be another barrier that prevents people from sharing their stories.

Your words don’t have to be perfect.

Your pictures don’t have to be perfect.

Your life doesn’t have to be perfect.

Share. Share the mess and imperfections.

You never know who you could encourage. The one who is encouraged could even be you!

What areas do you feel like you have to be picture perfect in? What things are holding you back from starting a blog or another creative pursuit?
If you can relate, and are working on overcoming perfectionism in your blogging, I’d love to hear in the comments!

 

You may also like:

Why You Should Blog Before You’re “Ready”
How to Set Writing Goals for the Year
Free Writing Contests And Resources For Finding More
My One-Year Blogiversary—Highlights From The Year

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