Chasing, pushing and punishing vs embracing

‘That Girl’ was the social media trend of 2022, and oh, I indulged in the content. Because I had been feeling like that girl for years.

I love journaling, reading, yoga, walking, healthy eating, personal development.

So I recognized myself in it, and I always found the videos visually very attractive. Sunlight beautifully captured, tidy apartments, a thousand beautiful sporty outfits, skincare, and add an inspiring or motivational quote.

I identify with the content, but there are several big BUTs associated with it.

BUT keep in mind that I often also spend a whole day in my jogging clothes, sitting on the couch (reading, but in a very bad posture).

BUT I have only 3 joggings and 4 leggings and not that many beautiful outfits.

BUT there is no balance shown in those reels/TikToks, that routine can sometimes make space for mental health.

You don’t have to do yoga poses every day to experience the benefits.

BUT as with everything on social media, only a part of life is shown and not a whole day. Someone can show something beautiful, but feel very alone, empty, and ugly inside.

The term ‘that girl’ implies that it will always be something outside of you. You can never be ‘that girl’ because you are this girl.

You are you. Of course, you can take good care of yourself, create healthy habits, and be an inspiration for others. I truly encourage that! But don’t measure yourself against an unrealistic image.

Instead of encouraging you to work harder for money and status (hustle culture), this trend encourages you to work harder on yourself. By pushing. By having beautiful/many things and clothes. By buying pretty workout outfits.

You have to push, you have to heal, you have to have a routine. And maybe you also have to quickly raise a baby on the side or start your own business.

I wish you a healthy balance.

And even more, I wish for you to sense what you need and what is good for you.

Ready to embrace your true self with softness instead of rigidity?

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