Our Rural Roots

By Jennifer Campbell, Contributor

Sharing the "real reel" of life is hard and cathartic
all at the same time. What most people leave on the social media cutting-room floor has quickly become my "brand."

I can vividly remember the very first time I wrote exactly what was happening in my life for all the world to judge:

"I'm sitting on my dirty kitchen floor crying, wearing a way too big Carhartt coat, rubber boots and my pajamas. I'm drinking flat Mt Dew out of what I can only assume is a clean measuring cup. I'm tired."

I was truly a pitiful sight and I knew it. But, what I really needed, as I sat there reading Facebook posts about happy families and perfect moms who make hot breakfasts for the family before school, was to unveil my secret.

I was worn out; my house was a disaster, and literally every glass in the house was dirty. My floors were sticky and, honestly, covered not just in dirt but a fair share of livestock organic matter. And, although I had gotten a husband out the door, three kids up and on their way to school and the livestock fed, I still felt defeated. I also felt societal pressure to hide my mess, and that is exhausting.

But, reality is, sometimes trying is all we have to give; and that, my friends, is truly enough. After I posted my confession, I picked myself up and dusted myself off. I did a load of dishes. I showered. Then, I headed to the field to run the grain cart for 10 hours before I made supper for us to eat as a family that night.

Comparison is the thief of joy. Turns out, not being afraid to publicly admit that my life is messy and I get overwhelmed at times helps others realize they aren't alone. That's good, because life is too short not to be real.

> Jennifer (Jent) Campbell can be found having a moment on her Indiana farm, where she writes a blog called Farm Wife Feeds (farmwifefeeds.com). Follow her on Twitter @plowwife and on the podcast @girlstalkag.

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