Social media can be over-whelming to say the least. But social-sharing platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, can be incredibly uplifting and may even be therapeutic.

Instagram has become a passion (more like an obsession) for me in recent months. I’ve also become more selective with who I follow and have limited my following to mostly all Canadian accounts.

Here are a few of my favourite and most inspiring Canadian Instagram accounts to check out.

Please note: Prior to publishing this blog post, permission was confirmed from each account holder, to share their posts and account titles. Their terms to publish are being me within this blog post.

These eight Instagram profiles all feature beautiful photography, inspiring messages, and brutal honesty that provides a personal motivation to want to be and do better.

“To be honest, I’m just winging it. Life, motherhood, my eyeliner. Everything.” – Unknown

@topknotanddoubleshot Toronto based, Kristen Gottwald, shares her truths about motherhood and self care.

She shares her personal struggles and triumphs of being a mom, loving yourself, and women supporting one another. This beautiful woman finds the humour in stressful everyday #momlife and does so with a smile on her face.

“Ain’t nuthin’ but a plant thang, baby!“

@seafaringsally Carie posts all about her 70+ houseplants which adorn her Montreal apartment. Her stories go more in depth on such topics as plant care and DIY planter and decor. I find her posts to be a breath of fresh air.

“Beautiful food and health are priceless.” – Bryant H. McGill

@mushroomsandthyme Canadian food photographer and recipe developer, Jessica Musslewhite, captures tantalizing treats so beautifully. Her incredible photos and delectable recipes are to die for! This recipe for this scrumptious looking bundt cake, is from @miznelliebellie blog. See Jessica’s website for her recipes and photography.

“Interior design is making the best possible use of the available space.” – Unknown

@jessicasaramorris Lifestyle & travel blogger, Jess Morris, can post and inspire with the best of them. This busy mom of four and interior designer brings a lot to the table.

Have you Joined Ebates Yet?

This image below is one of my absolute favourites! Simple, clean, and timeless colours and decor! I constantly scour Jessica’s feed for design and style inspiration. Check out her blog, White Picket Farmhouse, for more interior design inspo!

“Home is where your makeup stash is.” – Unknown

@beautifywithalina Alberta based makeup artist and beauty blogger, Alina Rekshta, proves that any Mom can do it all!

Having children can bring on a change in some women and change is just what Alina embraced and she achieved her dreams in the process. Being a certified MUA and Monat Market Mentor, her beauty pics and advice inspire women. Take a peak at her Website here!

“Sexy is a state of mind, not a waist size.” – Unknown

@thebirdspapaya Sarah Nicole Landry is THE epitome of the body positivity movement. This beautiful mother of three, blogger, and creator candidly (and f-ing bravely) shares her true struggles of divorce, weight loss, body acceptance, and cellulite.

Sarah delves into everything from sagging boobs to stretch marks, thrift shopping to finding love – and everything in between. She does this with such brutal honesty and passion, you can’t not love this woman and her message. Sarah recently launched her podcast, The Papaya Podcast. Give it a listen here or visit her blog site here. You will not be disappointed!

@honestly_alexandra Alexandra Rodi shares encouraging truths of motherhood, wellness, and beauty both via Instagram and on her blog.

Her inspiration and motivation for women and mothers are heard loudly through her podcast as well, Here for Her.

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” – Marilyn Monroe

@bloggerinheels Cristina is an ex-designer, mom, and blogger based out of Toronto. This soon-to-be Mom of two keeps busy with not one, but two blogs – Shoe Tease and …But You Have Me.

Cristina, clearly a shoe enthusiast, not only writes about shoes, but where she travels in said shoes! A great feed on Instagram and a fun read on her blogs.

“I’m working on myself, for myself, by myself.” – Unknown

@allanjennette Jennette, but please call her Jenny, has a relatively new blog, Antlers & Eyelashes, and is working mother of one daughter. That’s me! This is my Instagram account!

My personal Instagram feed and blog covers everything from motherhood, self love, marriage, outdoors, shopping, weight loss (and gain), food – you get the picture. I write and post about a variety of topics.

Social media and my blog are my outlet – ’cause it’s cheaper than therapy – and an escape that’s all my own.

I don’t have near the experience or following that the above lovely ladies have achieved, but I’m working on it and enjoying the journey.

Whoever you follow on social media, whether for entertainment purposes or to further your business, make sure you choose to connect with those who have a positive message and impact on YOU.