Social Media Perceptions

I've been having a lot of interesting conversations with people lately about social media and the things that they (and other people) present to the masses. I'm sure that many of you have heard the term "FAKEbook" when used to describe Facebook, right?  I remember the first time someone said that to me, I had to ask them what they were talking about because I honestly didn't know what they meant. FAKE book?  Like pretending like your life was great when it really wasn't?  WHY?  What would be the point of that?

I wasn't judging when I asked that question... I just literally didn't get it. And I know that I didn't get it because I don't do that. And when I don't do something, I assume naively, that other people don't either. 

Here's one thing I can promise you if you follow me here on my blog, or on any of my other social media platforms.... I won't use it as a means to present something that isn't true. If i'm not happy, you won't see me posting a picture where I look like I am. If things aren't good at home, you won't see me posting hand-holding, laughing and loving, coupley type photos. If one of my books isn't selling very many copies, you sure as hell won't see me posting about how great it's doing. My social media is an extension of my life. And I try to live that life as authentically and truthfully as possible. I don't see the point in misleading people. I wouldn't want to be misled. And I believe it does a huge disservice to all of you who follow me.

The truth is, I actually think that social media in general can be very damaging to our psyche. It can make you feel very bad about yourself and your life. It's extremely easy to believe that what you have and who you are isn't good enough if you let it. But that's ridiculous! We can't measure our self-worth through other people's meticulously planned photos and overly scripted captions. As long as we are constantly comparing ourselves to what we perceive other people as having, we are robbing ourselves of joy.

Comparison is the enemy of joy. And it's really hard to be happy when you're always feeling like less than enough. Which is probably why I'm not a fan of the showy or braggy online mentality either. I'm not a big believer in showing off material things that most people don't have. You have a brand new $100,000 car? Good for you. You have the biggest diamond on Facebook? Cool. I could honestly give two shits about any of that stuff. Now that's not to say that I don't like anything nice because of course I do... you just won't usually see me posting about it because I don't think that's what truly matters (aside from the traveling because I want to share all of those experiences with you and I get really excited to show you all the things that I see! But it's never meant to brag. Ever.)

People.
Love.
Friendship.
Communication.
Experiences.
Life.

Those are what fuel my heart and soul. Those are the things I want to talk about... and post about.

Each one of us is on a journey. One that is uniquely our own. It's not for anyone else. I know that my path is meant for me, and only me, and I'm grateful for every single thing I've gone through so far in my life. I know who I am. I'm extremely secure and self-confident. I always have been. I know what makes me happy. I know what brings me joy. But I'm also in a constant state of growth and I love to learn new things. I strive to be a better person. And that's really what I hope you see when you interact with me online. :)