Someone follows you on Instagram, you immediately go to their page. You do some socially acceptable stalking, then you inspect your own Instagram and then your feelings are hurt. Alright, so I’ve been there. Everyone’s always looking for the new Instagram aesthetic. What’s hot to post right now and what’s not. In 2012, it may have been cute to post a flick of your nail polish job. As for 2018, if it’s not a bikini flick, are you living under a rock? I’m here to say NO. I mean if it makes you happy and you’re feeling yourself, by all means, post that bikini flick by the water.
But, there’s so much more to individuals and the world. What sparks your interest? What are your favorite things to do and look at? Let the world know! Social media can be one of the greatest and most dangerous platforms. You have the ability to showcase your life and yourself. Unfortunately, we also have the tools to showcase our false selves. It’s easy to follow trends. It is easy to fall under a false security of social media and likes. It is easy to second guess a post. It is hard to be ourselves. Societal pressures, image issues, expectations, and misrepresentation can have you creating a profile or social media existence that is nothing like the real you. There will always be details left out on your profile. However what is being put in? Look at your posts, do they reflect what you want and like to share?
Here are some questions to help you cultivate a meaningful profile of yourself. What makes you smile? What gets your heart pounding? What are your favorite things to do and people to see? What gets you up in the morning?
Next time you post a pic on Instagram, tweet on Twitter or post on Facebook. Try turning off your notifications. The likes, reposts and favorites can be overwhelming. You may find yourself checking back often to your page to see how the post is doing with your peers. Give yourself time or a few hours before you check up on it. By that time, the number of likes, comments, and re-posts will not matter as much. The immediate validation which we usually look for after we post something might go away. This will also give you time before you second guess your post and most importantly yourself.
So the next time you ask your friend if you should post this? The answer is probably yes, especially if it involves loving yourself, being yourself or showcasing your love.
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