I say this constantly but today's fast-paced and ever-changing world SUCKS! The pressure to create the perfect home has intensified, fueled by the desire for social validation and the relentless pursuit of an idealized lifestyle. However, this pursuit is marked by a stark difference from the past – the increasing financial demands placed on the typical homemaker, which often prevents them from being present at home. The rising tide of inflation has transformed the notion of a perfect home, making it a complex and unattainable goal for many. I have experienced the cruel reality that is inflation and it truly sucks.
When we lived in Utah I worked multiple jobs so that we could get every penny that we needed. My husband worked horrible grave shifts and blue collar jobs so that we could have what we needed. We don't have college degrees, we both took the pathway of certifications, and side-schools. My husband is currently attending an online school for web development and I will continue my vocal pedagogy and music studies through various schools and certification programs. Because we don't have the typical college degree you would think that's the reason for our past financial struggles, but it's not. We have close friends who have incredible degrees and they are barely hanging on, and to top it off they've ended up with thousands and thousands of student debt to pay off.
So let's dive in and talk a little bit about the imperfections of todays world. Because now that we live in Tennessee I can be a stay at home mom with a small business working from our home and we feel like we can finally breath as a family.
The Quest for Perfection: A Modern Conundrum
The advent of social media platforms has transformed the way we perceive and project our homes. Instagram-worthy interiors, Pinterest-perfect decor, and flawlessly organized spaces flood our feeds, I get sick of it setting an unattainable standard for what constitutes a "perfect" home. This constant exposure to curated images has ignited a culture of comparison, compelling individuals to continually upgrade and modify perfectly good living spaces to align with these unrealistic ideals. Making living more expensive than it needs to be!
In this age of hyper-connectivity, the pressure to maintain an impeccable home isn't just about personal satisfaction; it's often linked to external validation. A perfectly designed and organized home is viewed as a reflection of one's success and status, driving individuals to go to great lengths to achieve an unblemished aesthetic. To that I say what the heck why do we live with ourselves like this... but none the less let us continue down this imperfect train.
Inflation: The Silent Disruptor
There's a crucial difference between the pressures of today and those of the past – inflation. The escalating cost of living, housing, and everyday expenses has transformed the very fabric of homemaking. The archetypal homemaker, who was traditionally responsible for maintaining the household and fostering a nurturing environment, now faces the economic imperative of contributing to the family's financial stability. Don't get us all started on gas prices, we were shocked to have gone from $4.00/per gallon in Utah to $2.88/per gallon here in Tennessee it was like a weight was lifted from our shoulders, but the prices here are going up again and that is annoying.
Rising inflation has catalyzed a shift in priorities, with many homemakers needing to seek employment outside the home to make ends meet. This transition often means they can't be physically present in the home as much as they'd like, leading to a dissonance between the aspiration of creating the perfect home and the realities of modern economic pressures. Divorce rates are also at an all-time high so if you wonder why, check the inflation monitor! House-holds are being divided because of the financial stress we are under as a nation. NOT COOL world, not cool!
The Emotional Toll and Unintended Consequences
The increasing demands of juggling work, homemaking, and financial responsibilities take a toll on individuals. The emotional burden of not being able to dedicate sufficient time to creating the perfect home, combined with the financial stress of inflation, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and frustration. This, in turn, can negatively impact mental and emotional well-being, straining relationships and personal contentment.
Furthermore, the pursuit of the perfect home can lead to unsustainable consumption patterns. The pressure to constantly upgrade furnishings and gadgets, fueled by the fear of falling behind or being judged, contributes to resource depletion and environmental degradation (I can't beleive I am gong off like this but i'm gonna keep going). The irony is that the very quest for an idealized living space can erode the quality of life it's meant to enhance.
Redefining Perfect: A Call for Balance
In a world where financial pressures and the pursuit of perfection collide, it's important to redefine what a perfect home truly means. Rather than fixating on an unattainable standard set by external influences, individuals should focus on creating spaces that reflect their unique needs, personalities, and TRUE lifestyles.
Recognizing the impact of inflation, society should evolve to value and support various models of homemaking. This could involve more flexible work arrangements (PLEASE), affordable childcare options (we went to a childcare in Utah one time as an option while I was working and it was like $3,000 a month so we said no to that but it's very typically the prices range anywhere in the ballpark between 1,000 - 3,000+ a month for your kid to get care so you can work and make a living. #upsidedownsmilingface), and a shift in societal expectations that allow individuals to strike a balance between financial contributions and quality time spent at home. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK WORLD?????
In conclusion, the pressures to create the perfect home in today's world are undeniably intense, amplified by social media and the relentless pursuit of an idealized lifestyle. However, the profound impact of inflation on the modern homemaker's ability to be present at home marks a significant departure from the past. As we navigate this complex landscape, it's essential to redefine perfection, prioritize balance, and advocate for systemic changes that acknowledge the evolving dynamics of homemaking in an inflation-driven world. After all, a truly perfect home is one that nurtures not just the physical space, but the well-being of its occupants as well.
SMALL PLUG: If you are looking for a more holist lifestyle and or outsource, I do offer holistic services. I am certified in the IAM technique, peep the instagram page @chakrasingingstudio for more information.
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