Lately, I have been finding it really hard to slow down. It feels like everything around me is happening so fast. I have become this person, who is constantly on her phone looking at what is happening on Instagram, Snapchat or Facebook. The worst thing about it is that most of the time as I scroll through photos and videos of other people I feel like I am not good enough and what I am doing is not as pretty. When did I become that person? And more importantly, why?
I used to enjoy sitting down, reading a book, and loosing myself in somebody else’s world. Last week, when I had one of these “not good enough” episodes, I realized that it was time to do something about it. So I took a break. I turned both my phone and computer off, found a novel I wanted to read, and spent the whole day unplugged. A whole 24 hours away from modern technology…
I am not going to lie; it was a struggle. There were many times I found myself thinking how many people would unfollow me if I didn’t post on Instagram or showed what I am doing on Snapchat. Embarrassing, isn’t it? Now this week, we are introduced to Instagram stories. I just learned Snapchat and now I have to post on Instagram stories as well?! When did recording yourself talking to a phone and publishing to God knows who become normal? Why are we so obsessed with what is happening in other people’s lives? This is all so confusing to me.
However, I am going to continue to take breaks and try to keep those feelings under control. I will make smoothie bowls instead smoothies and force myself to sit down and eat it with a spoon without scrolling through my Instagram feed. It is easier said than done, but it needs to happen. Do you feel the same way? If so, how do you cope with it? I would love to know.
About the recipe:
This smoothie bowl is truly a summer treat. It is almost like ice cream without the calories. The flavor combination of ripened cantaloupe, lime, red ruby grapefruit, and pumpkin seeds (pepitas) is truly refreshing. Perfect for a warm August morning. In the recipe below, you will see that I only added a tablespoon of maple syrup, because my cantaloupe was ripened and grapefruit was sweet. However if yours are not, feel free to add more sweetener. If you are not a fan of grapefruit, which I know a lot of people are not, you can use an orange instead. If you have time, I recommend toasting your pumpkin seeds for a couple of minutes as I think in general nuts taste much better when they are toasted. Or you can do what I do and batch roast them and keep them in airtight jars. Either way, this citrusy cantaloupe smoothie bowl is the best breakfast when you want to slow down and enjoy a morning unplugged.
Citrusy Cantaloupe Smoothie Bowl with Pepitas
Ingredients
- ½ medium-size cantaloupe cut into small chunks
- ½ red ruby grapefruit peeled and cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon or more depending on the sweetness of the cantaloupe maple syrup or honey
- ½ cup ice
- 2 tablespoons pepitas pumpkin seeds, if possible lightly toasted
- 1 tablespoons of chopped fruit – i.e. strawberries pomegranate seeds, cherries etc. as garnish
Instructions
- Place cantaloupe, grapefruit, lime juice, maple syrup, and ice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste for sweetness and add if necessary.
- Pour into a bowl. Garnish it with pepitas and chopped fruit. Serve immediately.
Stephanie McKinnie
Not embarrassing at all! I think everyone feels that way time to time. I know I have had many moments of “my photos aren’t good enough”. But the fact is they get better and better the more we practice. And with practice our own style starts to emerge. It’s nice to hear I’m not alone in this thinking but I have to say, your photos are gorgeous!!! I have often thought why do I only have 700 followers on IG and some have 50K, how do they do that? Then I have to let it all go and focus on my creativity and inspiration, because that’s the most important thing to me. Disconnecting from social media every now and then helps to bring in our own inspiration, so if someone wants to unfollow then they aren’t your audience in the first place. At least that’s how I feel. Keep up the awesome work! xO
Pang
As a blogger, I’m not the one you should talk to about social media since my blog has always been unpopular & I have only a handful (but incredibly wonderful) followers. hahaha
As a photographer, I’m sharing my works to the world through the channels that I’m comfortable with, so no IG story nor snapchat. I believe the followers will follow me as long as I put out the good works, if not, then it’s ok. I have followed MANY photographers that hardly post on IG (or etc.) at all, but whenever they do, I will always be there to ‘LIKE.’ I don’t thing it’s about ‘how often,’ but rather ‘how good.’
As a friend, you are wise to ‘turn it off.’ Information needs to be processed and works need to be enjoyed. Would you rather running or walking & enjoying the road to the finish line? Sending hugs to you while loving your photos.. xoxo
Aysegul Sanford
So SO true. I am glad that you are sticking to your true style. I think your photos, editing and writing are so consistent and beautiful. Like you said, not everyone needs to have a million followers to show people that they are good photographers.
I’d follow you regardless of where you are and what you do, my friend.
thank you for your encouraging words Pang. They mean so SO much to me. <3
rebecca | DisplacedHousewife
I could not relate more to what you are saying! Instagram Stories totally threw me off of my axis and within 24 hours I felt like my life was all social media, all the time. I read somewhere last week that we only post our best 5% on social media and then we all compare ourselves to that top 5% which is totally unrealistic. Add the algorithm into the equation and it can be really hard on your self esteem. You work so hard for a photo and it flops and then the next one (that you only think is ok) goes through the roof. Do you know what I’m talking about? Then you see someone else’s photos consistently performing amazingly and you think that yours aren’t good enough. I fight that negative talk. I’m doing my best…I’m a work in progress and I just try to be kind to myself. Which, my friend, you should do the same. Your photos AND recipes are gorgeous.
I love Snapchat because I think it is a more intimate setting than Instagram…but I can’t help but wonder if it’s going to fall to the wayside. I keep hearing people say they are maxed out…it’s simply too much.
…I guess I had a lot to say? But on to this beautiful recipe… This smoothie bowl sounds delicious! I had a cantaloupe margarita at the beginning of summer and I loved how light and fresh it was (I don’t know why I thought it would be heavy?)…and I imagine this to be the same. xoxo
Aysegul Sanford
OH Rebecca.. Thank you so much for this note and your kind words on my photographs. It makes me so happy that I am not alone. I totally understand what you are talking about. It almost feels like we are working more for social media giants than for ourselves. It is a constant battle.
<3
Louise | Cygnet Kitchen
My dear friend, I know exactly how you feel. I have been so busy with client work that the blog has suffered the last few months and I feel under constant pressure. I NEVER feel like my work is good enough and drive myself crazy comparing myself to others. Blogging is so competitive now, its exhausting keeping up with social media! Its almost another job in itself! I totally agree that we need to take time out and take care of ourselves. I also try to only engage with those bloggers that are genuine, who inspire me with their beautiful tranquil posts, like you Aysegul. Your work is simply beautiful. I hope these words come back to you when feel doubt, because I mean them with all sincerity. Love from England, Lou xx p.s Gorgeous smoothie bowl!
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four
Oh yum!! I love cantaloupe! I would have loved to dig into this smoothie bowl after my bike ride this morning in the hot sun! Looks so incredibly refreshing and tasty. And I love the pepitas – what a great touch! 😀
Aysegul Sanford
I am a fan of cantaloupe as well. Smoothie bowls are really fun. Such quick breakfast with so much flavor..:))
Thank you Beeta.