December 2023.

How many times have you looked at something on Facebook, Insta or TikTok & thought ‘gees they’ve got it good’, ‘I wish I could look like that’ or something like ‘they’re so lucky’?

I don’t do it as often as I used to but I do catch myself out when I find myself caught up in a thought pattern.

My favourite photos from Bali were taken at the Monkey Rainforest; not only because of how the photos look but because I actually got to touch, hold & experience a real life monkey.

I’ve had a fascination with monkeys since I was very young so this ‘experience’ filled my cup and my cup also overflowed.

When walking into the rainforest there’s a big sign with rules; when online you see what can go wrong if you don’t follow the rules so if you sense that I was somewhat anxious or scared then you’re 💯 correct.

Was I going to share/show that right away? Nope – you all saw the funny selfie shots – which are great of course. Was I misleading you or aiming to make you believe something that wasn’t? Nope – I was simply sharing a ‘moment’ in time that held many great memories. The monkey shots could have been misleading depending on how well you know me.

My point here is that we all see what we want to see.

We all have different life experiences, different wants, needs, desires, capabilities, trauma histories, supports etc.

So, when you & I see the same thing in front of us we may actually both be seeing something completely different because both you and I are such different & unique individuals.

Not much is as you see it on social media; typically we all share the best shots with the best angles & at times with the best filters. Some people earn a living from the content they share online so you can imagine the extent of preparation that went into that one shot that is publicised.

I’m at an age & stage of my life where most of me is either wrinkly, saggy or dehydrated. Im not loving the realness of all my aging flaws but I’m appreciative that I am here & consciously living a good life.

My aim is to keep things as real as possible; I’m someone’s Nanna & they’re learning from me.

We all have a responsibility to others but more importantly to ourselves.

#pattysjourney 🐒