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It has been a couple weeks now since I felt a heavy desire to shut my life on Social Media DOWN. To put my private life back where it should be, private. To lay down the burdens and pressures of having to have an “aesthetically pleasing” life. Because let’s be honest, real life is not a ‘branding’ move. It’s not meant to be cohesive and perfect. It’s messy, crazy, chaotic, wild, frustrating, exciting, fast, slow, fun, sad, happy, and all the other things in between.
I could feel the harsh expectations I placed on myself after taking in too much social media start to smother me and drown out my enjoyment for reality. I couldn’t just live without thinking, “how can I make this look as appealing for my social media as possible?” And pretty soon I wasn’t enjoying anything.
My first move was printing all of my important photos from my Facebook, where I had nearly 1,000 friends added, and then I created an all new profile. Where now I don't even have 150 friends. I’m choosing to add or accept only the people closest to me or people I wouldn’t mind sharing my business with over a hot coffee and a donut.
My second move, and one of the most important, was I deleted my Instagram app. This one was huge. Since the age of 11 I’ve posted constantly, striving to beat the algorithm and make sure my feed was cohesive and attractive. I’ve found myself periodically in a place of defeat and depression because everyone else who ran an online “blog” seemed to be better at it than me. They did more in their lives. Had cooler jobs. Better personal style. Etc etc. and I hadn’t realized the negative effect this had on my life. Until a small voice in my head told me it was time to lay it down, lock in my privacy, and start working on my life, marriage, and home WITHOUT putting unnecessary pressure on myself to make everything “look” perfect.
Like I said, it’s been a couple weeks now. And already I feel as if my life has taken a 180 degree turn. I’m learning more about who I am and what I like without the pressure of being “current” or aesthetically in style. I have enjoyed independence day celebrations without viewing it through my camera on my phone. Ive listened to music that wasn’t popular because Instagram and TikTok said so.
I have purchased clothing not because I was copying my current favorite influencer but because I personally liked it. I have been re-evaluating my career choices and the paths I want to take. I have taking time to read, draw, journal—you’d be surprised the extra time you have when you let go of social media.
What I am trying to say is, I know it’s hard and you will want to try and convince yourself you’d never be the person to let social media get to you or have an effect on you. But this happens slowly and sneakily to every single one of us.
Connecting with family and friends is a blessing. Social media can enrich our lives when used sparingly and as a means of keeping up with those you don’t get to see often, but don’t let it become your downfall or the only thing you chase to fulfill your life.
Be wise, and know that it’s okay to take a step back from social media. Know that it’s okay to go against the crowd. To be different. To be set apart.
It is time to have a health mindset. To be mindful of your mental health needs and to treat yourself gently.
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With love,
Kalan M.
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