Nine to Thrive.

The Instagram Highlights Are Lies

Going through life has taught me that it can be ugly sometimes. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. It’s okay to have crooked, messy, in-progress parts.

And the biggest thing to acknowledge? Social media is fake.
Of course, everyone is going to post their best-edited picture. Of course, they’ll share their perfect morning routine, green smoothies, and polished shoes.

We scroll and think, “No one wants to see the messy parts.” But that’s actually where the real growth happens and people crave that kind of honestly.

The Reality of Growth -> It’s Messy

Thriving isn’t always aesthetically pleasing either. I always thought it meant being on a constant upward curve. More productivity, more goals, more progress.

But life moves in seasons. Some seasons are for rest and healing; others are for grinding and testing your strength (your winter arc).

My feed might look great, but behind the scenes, I’m still figuring myself out even while cheering everyone else on. I love being busy and ambitious, but I’m also still learning who I want to be.

Let’s Reframe “Thriving”

I also used to think that thriving meant having everything figured out. The routine, the mindset, the career, the confidence. But over time, that version of thriving started to feel more like pressure than peace. Some days, I’m up early, checking things off my list, feeling totally in flow. Other days, I’m just trying to keep my eyes open through the 3 p.m. slump and remember to drink water. Both versions of me are still thriving.

Thriving isn’t about doing it all. It’s about giving yourself grace while you figure it out. It’s about allowing space for slow mornings, messy emotions, and days that don’t go as planned.

So maybe thriving isn’t a straight line after all. Maybe it’s a cycle of shining, resting, and starting again. It’s also about learning to love each version of yourself along the way.

Ways to Embrace the Ups and Downs

It’s important to take life’s hard moments and turn them into lessons, not punishments. Growth doesn’t come from avoiding the lows but from learning how to move through them with self-awareness and grace.

When I start to spiral, I ask myself: What feels good right now?
Some weeks, it’s deep-cleaning my apartment with a playlist that makes me feel unstoppable. Other weeks, it’s letting it be messy AF while I rot in bed, and that’s okay too.

Here are a few things that help me ride the waves:

✨ Journal check-ins
✨ Celebrate small wins
✨ Create flexible routines
✨ Practice self-compassion instead of comparison

Love Every Version of You

You don’t need to have it all together to be thriving. The ups and downs are part of your story and every chapter still counts.

Thriving isn’t linear. It’s human. And you’re doing better than you think!

So, what season of growth are you in right now? Resting, rebuilding, or thriving? I’d love to hear in the comments!

Until next time,

Callie