Insta-trap

There's been a lot of talk lately about bloggers, Instagrammers, and social media personalities, and how we look at them, and how looking at other people's lives can affect the way we see our own. This post isn't meant to be controversial, and it's not meant to slam anyone. I just think it's something to be aware of, and I want you guys to know that it's actually something I think and care about a lot. And for your entertainment, our media today will be provided by the one and only, Taylor Alison Swift, in honor of her new album release, and her general sense of confidence that we all love and admire.


I've been there. I've totally fallen for the Insta-trap. It's only normal for people to want to share the best parts of their life. There's seriously nothing wrong with it. But that doesn't stop us from gawking over someone else's life, sometimes wishing ours was a little more like theirs. The more we do this, the less we value the good parts of our own life. Next thing you know, you're searching your phone, computer, and backup hard drives for any old photo that looks semi-interesting, guaranteed for mega likes. And when you can't find one, you just get back on Instagram, going back and forth between your own feed, and stalking all the people whose lives you worship and envy. Maybe you'll comment on a few pictures, in the hopes that they'll see it, respond, and instantly, YOU'RE IN.

In what though? The cool club? The popular group? Are you sitting at the popular table now?

Don't be ashamed of this. Everyone loves attention. Everyone loves being praised for things they're proud of! Everyone loves a digital pat on the back, with the magical double tap. And there's nothing wrong with that. What's wrong is that it places more value on your social media popularity, than the quality of your life. If you think there's room in your life to improve, thats awesome. If there's something you want to accomplish, or somewhere you want to be, that's great! If other people's lives are a positive motivation to get your rear in gear to get the life you've always dreamed for yourself, that's amazing. What's wrong is letting anybody else's life make you feel any worse about your own.



The reason this happens is because we see all the low points in our own lives, and compare them to high moments of others. But when we look at the high points in others lives, we don't see the low points. We don't see the struggles. We don't see the stupid fights they have with their husbands. We don't see them picking at their zits in the mirror every night. We don't see the hours spent in sweats, binging out on Netflix and anything we can find to dip in Nutella.

My challenge for you is to get out of the mindset. This last week I went though my Instagram feed and unfollowed every single person whose account made me feel bad amount myself, my life, or just made me really angry. Basically if it made me feel anything but inspired, I got rid of it. I unfollowed 300 people. THREE HUNDRED INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS. Can you believe that? I'm focusing on my own life, and who I want to be, whether or not someone else is going to see it. I'm making sure I'm living my life the same way I would if I didn't have a blog or Instagram account. It hasn't been a week yet but I'm already seeing a difference.



My challenge for you is to do the same. Get on there, and unfollow away. Don't worry about offending anyone by unfollowing them. If they have a negative effect on your self-esteem, or if they make you anything but inspired or happy, unfollow. And focus on what you're doing. As my husband would say to me, "you do you and you chill babe."

And while you're at it, share the good things in your life, without the intention of giving others' lives less value. Lift each other up. Share good ideas, good thoughts, and complement each other. Collaborate! Leave no room for negative intentions.

If I'm one of those people who makes you feel like your life isn't cool enough, stop reading my blog. Stop following me on Instagram. As much as I try to keep it real, maybe I'm not being as real as I thought. And if that's the case, PLEASE let me know. I just want everyone to feel like the rockstars you truly are.

8 comments

  1. This is so good! So, so good. Taking your challenge and advice, I love it!

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  2. Thank you for this! You really have a way with words. I actually went through and unfollowed almost 100 accounts too and noticed an INSTANT change. Why did it take me so long to realize that it's kind of like the beauty of graduating high school-the people you don't want to see anymore you don't HAVE to see anymore! It's all about what makes you happy. Thank you for keeping it real. Xoxo.

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  3. You deserve ten high fives for this! Thank you for the advice and encouragement! I think this needs to be discussed more. I'm a blogger too and it is easy to get caught up on the good in other people's lives. I've neglected some of the good in my own life, but lately i've learned to be encouraged by the blogging community to live my life more fully. I think it's time to celebrate life with those around us!

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  4. Just realized I never commented on this. I love it - great advice, something that everyone should think about! Especially loved the last paragraph �� also t swift forever.

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  5. Wow this is so incredible. And so so genuine. I recently got off facebook for this exact reason! Thanks for sharing your journey with us!

    xoxo
    Amanda

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  6. just found your blog and it's perfect and so are you.
    xoxo
    e
    emmyjake

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  7. two thumbs up. and while we're at it, two big toes too! that counts, right?
    the world needs more gems like you. genuine people make the world a happy place.
    love your blog, you're adorable. amen.

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