This is a snapshot of my crew. We look pretty cheerful in this photo. Sure, it was a scorching day by the waterfront, we ran out of snacks, and I might have snapped at my partner for finishing the last of the water long before we got back to the car—but overall, it’s a joyful moment. I love sharing photos like this on Instagram and Facebook. I’m one of those moms who revels in capturing our happy memories. I see myself as the curator of our family’s joyful times.
Yet, occasionally, I come across articles in my feed that belittle my habit of posting happy moments. Some even go as far as to criticize the joyful sharing, suggesting it could be detrimental to my kids or annoying to others. It’s like a digital minefield—one wrong step, and I risk being blocked or unfollowed. After a moment of doubt, I pause to consider: Am I presenting an overly happy image of our life? But then I remind myself: Nope, this is who we are.
Here’s why I’ll keep sharing our happy pictures online:
-
Social media can have a positive impact.
Wait a second—social media isn’t just a platform for self-promotion and negativity? Absolutely not. At its core, social media is about connection. Yes, it’s digital connection, but it’s genuine. It can inspire real change and foster support among us. Sharing joy is essentially spreading love. -
Pictures narrate stories, and stories hold power.
No need for further elaboration—after all, a picture speaks a thousand words. -
You don’t have to minimize your joy for others.
You don’t need to shrink yourself to make someone else feel better. To quote a wise source, “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” So go ahead, post that adorable photo of your child after bath time or that sweet family selfie in the bathroom—those moments brought you joy. -
Life can be tough, and challenges are real.
We all face difficult times. For instance, just last week, my son caught head lice from a friend, which led to an infestation among my other kids. Our washing machine was running non-stop, and amid this chaos, the sump pump gave out, flooding our basement. On top of that, our internet modem took a dive into the wet floor. It was a disaster: itchy kids, a flooded basement, a broken washing machine, and no internet. Ugh.
I could go on, especially since I have five kids! For every joyful photo I post, I hope everyone understands that there could easily be 10, 20, or even 50 pictures of our not-so-happy moments. I’m transparent about our ups and downs. But despite the challenges, there’s so much good in life. I actively seek out joy every day, and the more I look for it, the more I find it.
Maya Angelou wisely said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” That’s the essence of my sharing. When I post happy images on social media, my hope is that they radiate happiness to others.
If you want to read more thoughts on this topic, check out this engaging post on home insemination. Additionally, if you’re exploring pregnancy and home insemination, visit CCRM’s blog—it’s a fantastic resource. And for those looking for an authority on this subject, don’t miss Make a Mom’s Impregnator Kit.
In summary, sharing joyful moments on social media is about celebrating life’s happy times, encouraging connections, and spreading positivity.