If you read only one of my posts – make it this one

After reading Meagan’s post about her online self vs. real life self (HERE) and watching this video (HERE), it really got me thinking about how I present myself on social media, especially with the blog. For my close friends that I see regularly, they know what is happening in my life and rarely any information on the blog is new to them. For my acquaintances, far away family members, old friends, co-workers, etc, this blog is a way to see & hear a bit about my life, but nothing too personal. And for those I’ve never met in person, this blog is a representation of the person I am/who I strive to be. Everyone that reads my posts (thank you) probably takes something different away from them; whether it be that I’m having a terrible hair day, they like my shirt, they think I’m funny, or hey, Maddy doesn’t look too shabby, and I think that is amazing. That we are all able to read the exact same words and walk away with numerous different perceptions.

Watching that video (& you all should) reminded me of how calculated everything is that I post for the blog, and on social media. I take photos, do quick edits, write, re-write, edit and hope there is a positive response to all my work. I’m not the type of person to have an awful day and then tweet 8 times about it. That is not me and never will be. I’m the kind of person that relies heavily on my friends and family for support with the big things. But I love seeing other bloggers & readers comment and create a network that revolves around the little things.

Its important to remember that we see what people want us to see. No one always looks so put together, or is always super happy, or always eats beautiful healthy meals. That isn’t reality. Reality, at least for me, is an on-the-go lifestyle full of messy buns to hide my bedhead, protein bars in the car and daily problem solving & re-prioritizing. But thats okay, I do better when I am busy, especially at this point in my personal life.

I guess what all this rambling boils down to is:

We need to be aware that social media is NOT an indicator of people’s actual lives or happiness. When I gave up Facebook for Lent last year I began to be happier in my own life. Want to know why? I wasn’t able to easily compare myself to others. I didn’t worry about my bikini body, GPA, vacations or love life compared to anyone else’s. And it was freeing. (Try it). But on the flip side, we also want to represent ourselves positively. You have to find that middle ground. So maybe its time to think twice before posting that status about how stupid your neighbor is, or how mad you are at your boss. Take a step back and deal with it mentally instead of posting it. And we, as a society (me included) need to start worrying about our individual progress. Everyone’s lives move at different paces. What’s right for your best friend could be totally wrong for you. So stop comparing & be yourself. (I promise I will start taking my own advice)

Hopefully a few of you actually read all of this. Have a great Thursday!

-M