It’s okay to feel jealous.

I still feel joy and love for pregnant women, mothers, and couples excitedly announcing they’re expecting. But I turned green with envy at the Instagram realities everyone but me seemed entitled to. The thought that other women get to experience a healthy first pregnancy start to finish. That other women get to go to every appointment and get good news. But you don’t know their whole story, just like they don’t know yours. The highlight reel of someone else’s life does not represent their entire experience. Browsing Instagram or Facebook, jealousy gave me the idea that the pain I’m feeling would keep me from the joy social media shows me. The green-eyed monster was holding my joy hostage.

It’s okay to feel jealous. Don’t feel bad if you need to unsubscribe from some posts, do what feels best for your mental well being. But don’t let social media fool you into feeling alone. Don’t let jealousy fool you into thinking that you are not deserving of what other families have, and that you cannot have it for yourself. You are enough, and while this experience has taught us plans can always change, never stop making plans that will bring you joy.