Life As I Know It: January

Stephanie Hill from The Style Bungalow featuring thoughts on social media and work life balance

Style Blogger Stephanie Hill personal thoughts on social media, work life balance, perfectionism, comparison and life

Googles: “Social media bad habits.” 

Opening line: “Why are you really addicted to social media?”

*Slams computer screen shut.

Slowly, comes back.

Ok. I think I’m spending way too much time on social media. There, I said it. And it hasn’t really been helping. I feel scattered and distracted lately. I’m not focused on bettering myself or moving forward, but spend countless hours scrolling IG and comparing my life to someone else’s. Then, I feel as if I’ve failed already for not being as successful as they are.

It’s funny. Sometimes I have a firm grip on my social media habits and wrestle with it like a pro. Other times I slip up and take a punch to the gut. Hey, I’m human.

So why? Why am I actually consuming so much social media lately?

Fashion Blogger Stephanie Hill personal thoughts on social media, work life balance, perfectionism, comparison and life

Social media is a total force, a sphere of inspiring content and it can spark a movement with just one post. Like everything there’s two-sides to it – social media can easily become a distraction. It’s where I get to put off tasks that give me anxiety. Things like writing, redecorating my apartment, planning upcoming travels, structuring expenses, scaling my business, nurturing my friendships, etc. Things I’m fully capable of doing (sans social media) but don’t because I want it to be perfect.

Someone once told me back in my ballet days when I was suffering from “perfectionism” (aka the need to be perfect) that, “perfection is the thief of joy.” And boy were they right. My week was ruined every time I had a bad rehearsal. Failure was painful. I allowed it to attack my joy and hold me back from the things that made me truly happy like dancing…because in my mind it had to be perfect. Who was giving me that pressure, but me?

Lightbulb.

So instead of focusing all my energy on why I felt (and still occasionally feel) the need to be perfect or post a “perfect” photo on social media, I’d rather share some goals I’m working on this year that will continue to add value every day. After all, this is “Life As I Know It” and I’m learning that those “picture-perfect” moments exist because of life’s beautiful imperfections.

     Acknowledge the reason why you’re using social media so much.

     Set your expectations. Remove perfection from the equation.

     Put the phone down and replace scrolling with podcasts or audiobooks.

     Fail. It’s going to happen. Embrace it. Learn from it.

     And. Let. It. Go. Sing the freakin’ song if it helps.

The Style Bungalow Stephanie Hill's personal thoughts on social media, work life balance, perfectionism, comparison and life

Personal thoughts on social media, work life balance, perfectionism, comparison and life with Stephanie Hill from The Style Bungalow

The Style Bungalow featuring Stephanie Hill's personal thoughts on perfectionism, comparison, social media and life.

Stephanie Hill from The Style Bungalow on perfectionism, comparison, social media and life.

Stephanie Hill shares her thoughts on perfectionism, comparison, social media and life on The Style Bungalow

The Style Bungalow featuring Stephanie Hill's January edition on perfectionism, comparison, social media and life

Lol, and on a more lighthearted note, I’ve reorganized a few things around here including my website (check out the new #OOTD page!), my closet (coming to the blog soon), my style (same DNA just more me) and my intentions.

This year, I’ll be sharing a different side of me. Not all photos will be “perfect.” Sometimes they’ll be shot on an iPhone (gasp!). I’ll also talk more openly about the things that weigh heavily on my heart so that the content you’re seeing from me is adding value to your life… whether that be through beautiful imagery, a story, helpful styling tricks or a personal note about “Life As I Know It.” I promise this year will be different… 

Xo, Stephanie

Blouse: Maje

Pants: Maje, also linked a similar pair on sale below

Earrings: Zimmerman

Sandals: old, similar options below

[Shaye Babb Photography]

Thank you Kips Bay Palm Beach for the beautiful backdrop!

6 Comments

  • I love your soulful content! Yes you have a fashion blog, but I love the insightful personal touch you always give it! Keep up the amazing work, can’t wait for more content like this 🙂

  • I can definitely relate to the struggle with social media. I really appreciate you sharing your insights, looking forward to future posts. ❤

  • Your content is fantastic ! I hardly follow any bloggers on insta because of that exactly … it’s very difficult seeing perfection(or what seems like perfection) and comparing it to your own life . However … your blog … it has sincerity …. and that’s something that nobody can ever fake . So keep doing a great job !!

    P.s. your style is amazing .. and because I don’t have an ounce of creativity .. I typically take you on my shopping trips and use the content as inspiration ..keep being fabulous !

  • Thank you so much for sharing this, Stephanie! My worst social media habit is to continue scrolling through the explore page after I`ve made it through my feed, often procrastinating studying or other important tasks…

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