Menu Lifestyle
Updated: June 21, 2023
Originally Published: June 21, 2023
Recently, my in-laws whisked my sister-in-law and her family away for a trip to Disneyland. For days, our feeds were flooded with picture-perfect snapshots of my nieces and nephew meeting Elsa, posing with Mickey, and looking utterly exhausted yet thrilled to be in the magical world of Disney.
Not long ago, my family ventured into the mountains for a little getaway. We had a fantastic time! I captured plenty of shareable moments: me lounging in a hammock, the kids toasting marshmallows, and my husband and I standing in front of a picturesque waterfall (he sweetly captioned it, “The most beautiful thing I saw all weekend, and a waterfall”). Later this summer, we’ll be hitting the beach with my in-laws, where I’m sure we’ll capture tons of stunning moments—kids building sandcastles, surfing lessons, and ice cream on the dunes. It’s bound to be a blast.
But what I truly long for? This summer, when I pull into a regular neighborhood in suburban Pennsylvania and finally see my best friend, whom I haven’t seen in years. It won’t be glamorous; the lighting won’t be perfect, and we won’t be doing anything extravagant. We’ll probably just embrace, maybe shed a few tears (me), then head inside to sit at her kitchen table, sharing meals and conversing for hours.
I’m not looking for a lavish vacation or a luxurious resort. What I crave is the warmth of reconnecting with one of my oldest friends. I want to hear her laughter in person instead of just through phone calls. I want to see her familiar eye rolls and feel the mix of affection and playful annoyance when she says my name. That “Amelia!” can’t be captured in a perfect Instagram shot.
What I truly desire is genuine friendships. I want friends who are nearby, ready to lend a hand when life gets overwhelming—those who will help clean up before family visits or drop off a meal when you’re under the weather. Friends who know better than to give you a potted plant because they know you’ll likely let it die but instead surprise you with a quirky mug that says, “I’m totally magical.”
These aren’t the kind of moments that will earn likes on social media, but they are the very fabric of a fulfilling life.
I wish for my children to experience real happiness—not the fleeting excitement depicted on Instagram, but a deeper sense of joy that can’t be captured in a snapshot. I want them to find contentment, like the other day when my 5-year-old expressed dismay over not having money for a toy, and my 7-year-old generously offered him ten dollars of his own. That’s the kind of peace that can’t be photographed.
Each of us has our own passions, whether it’s a hobby like fishing or crafting, and these moments aren’t necessarily shareable on social media. I want my husband to spend more time fishing, relishing those quiet mornings by the river, experiencing the sights and sounds of nature—moments that can’t be filtered for online sharing but are vital for his well-being amidst the chaos of everyday life.
I also yearn for more time with my friends. Sure, I’ve posted a few pictures of me hanging out with my buddy Charlie in his garage, but they hardly capture the essence of our friendship. They don’t convey the deep bond we share, the kind of friendship that stands the test of time and hardships.
When I catch up with my friend Jacob, we dive into long, meaningful conversations that are nothing like the highlight reels you see online. We share our truths, our vulnerabilities—these moments are far from Instagrammable, but they are profoundly enriching.
I’m not interested in showcasing a perfect life. I want something authentic and tangible: quality time with friends, a strong bond with my husband, and genuinely happy children. These things can’t be captured in a photo, but they are worth more than any extravagant vacation or picturesque sunset.
What I truly crave is the unfiltered, real moments that make life meaningful—those experiences that you can’t put on a screen.
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Summary:
In a world dominated by Instagrammable moments, the author expresses a longing for genuine connections, authentic friendships, and deep happiness rather than flashy vacations or perfect snapshots. Emphasizing the importance of real experiences, the narrative highlights the value of time spent with loved ones, the beauty of heartfelt interactions, and the peace found in simple moments.