I was recently scrolling through my Instagram page and all I began to cringe. I thought to myself, is this really me?
The photos and words make me look like I have a perfect life, a perfect job, and perfect kids. Um…yeah no.
Friends tell me that I look like I am doing so great and kicking butt. But, what they are seeing is a lifestyle, not my life.
First, I am extremely fortunate. I get to travel, meet amazing people and do a job that I love. The opportunities are truly endless.
Like millions of others, we show off our “perfect” life for everyone to see. Photos are filtered, words are carefully crafted and trending hashtags fill our post.
Social media is all about showcasing your brand and image. So I constantly feel the need to post the best photos, have inspiring messages and look like I am the boss babe who can “do it all”. That’s what people want to see. Right?
Nobody wants to see what’s really happening.
Or do they?
Here’s what I think. I think that people want to see beautiful photos, adventures, and fabulous life. But, I also think that they want to hear the real stories.
What I don’t share on Instagram and Facebook what’s happening before or after the photos- the “real life.”
What people are not seeing are my tears in the shower as I wonder how I will do everything alone. Or hear the voices inside my head about my insecurities. Or witness me yelling as we miss the bus, the kids are having a meltdown in the middle of a conference call.
We all go through these moments and thoughts, but we certainly don’t want anyone to see or know about this part of our life.
Well, there you go. Now you know my little secrets. Like many, my life is a combination of thunderstorms and rainbows. With an occasional hurricane thrown in there.
I always tell my clients that they need to be authentic and transparent. So, it’s time I take my own advice. As I work to rebuild my life, grow my business and get back into television I am becoming comfortable with becoming more transparent and sharing my “real” life.
I believe life is all about finding purpose. As you try to rebuild your life for the first, second or third time- there is a reason why you are going through it. God only gives you what you can handle. And for some of us, the man upstairs thinks we can take a lot.
So for those of you who compare yourself to others on social media, please keep in mind that their feeds are a lifestyle. They are filled with filters and lighting and many times hair and makeup teams. Behind closed doors, they are battling divorce, sickness, anxiety and a variety of real-life issues. Just like all of us.
Remember, “Comparison is the thief of joy.”- Theodore Roosevelt.