Social media is one of our greatest tools. We are able to connect with people that we wouldn't otherwise be able to connect with. It allows us to overcome the barrier of time and space and immediately see someone miles and miles away. It gives us a creative outlet to share our work with people around us instantly. It gives us the ability to encourage and support our friends in their achievements in life.
I will be the first to say I love social media. I love the creative outlet Instagram has become for me. I love the ability to be able to advocate and have the platform for something bigger than myself. I love keeping up with friends that I haven't seen in a while and even learning from people in my career field that I wouldn’t be able to learn from otherwise.
Social media is such a powerful tool, but we have to first realize it is not reality. I think oftentimes we get on social media, and immediately compare our lives to what we see through the lens of Instagram. Whether we see someone having fun with friends while we are stuck at home, compare ourselves to someone with a seemingly perfect body and skin, or wonder why we are so sad while everyone else is so happy. It is so easy to fall into the trap of comparison on social media; however, we have to realize that social media is ABSOLUTELY a highlight reel. Most people are not posting their hard days on Instagram.
#unfilteredfriday was created from a desire to flip this narrative. My life is not perfect, so my Instagram shouldn’t be either. By sharing stories of my own personal struggles, revealing imperfections that I would have DIED to have exposed in high school, and being honest about my insecurities, I hope to show a little more reality on my highlight reel.
I am so thankful for the women across the country who have joined me in this initiative. Below are some of the most strong, vibrant, intelligent, and BEAUTIFUL women I know.
While I wish that we could all post an unfiltered selfie, and stop the comparison problem, I know that will never be the case. So here are some practical ways that you can continue to enjoy and LOVE social media while protecting your mental health.
Set time limits on your phone
I know I can’t be the only one who looks at my screen time on my phone and cringes. Sometimes I will just mindlessly open Instagram just because it is my natural instinct. Setting time limits on your phone not only helps you become more productive in getting the tasks done that need to be done but allows more time for you to stop and enjoy the present moment.
Fill your tank first
I will also be the first to admit that my BIGGEST temptation when I wake up is to immediately check social media. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, I have found that I have so much more joy when I allow myself to fill my tank first. Having a morning routine that focuses on self-care will set you up for a productive, joy-filled day.
Encourage authenticity
I may not be able to make all of Instagram less of a highlight reel, but together we can encourage our followers by showing our reality. When we are vulnerable with the people around us, it typically inspires more vulnerability. You can join me every #unfilteredfriday and tag me @misscolleyvilletx. I hope you will join me in celebrating the beauty in the imperfect.
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