If you read the title of this article, you might be thinking, "Isn't it good to have a filter?" We can all probably envision that one person that says whatever they want without thinking about how it affects others, but there is a whole other meaning to the phrase "no filter."
We all use filters, and there are all kinds. They are everywhere. From Instagram to Snapchat to Facebook, we use filters every day for our pictures and social media posts, and we can spend a lot of time trying to find the best one, the one that makes us look the best to others.
The thing about filters is that, although they appear nice, there is always that lost sense of authenticity. The thing about today's society is that there is an emphasis on filters, on appearance and reputation. Whether it be at work, school, or on social media, there is pressure to uphold and maintain a certain reputation, a pressure to look a certain way, a pressure to conform to others' perceptions of you, a pressure to fit in to avoid judgment. But where does it all come from? I think there are two truths for a lot of people, including myself: we care too much about what other people think of us and we put a lot of pressure on ourselves.
When I was in middle school and high school, I faced insecurities about my frizzy, curly hair, my old soul, and more introverted personality. While I did face some judgment from others, some of that judgment was self-imposed. It took me a while to figure out that I was doing myself a disservice. All of these traits and aspects make up who I am and what makes me unique in a sea of people. If I make a mistake, it doesn't matter what the world thinks. It's ok to be and show the real you.
This constant need for a filter can stem from our inner desire for acceptance, our insecurity, and even fear. Filters hide the imperfections, the flaws, and the messiness. As cliche as it may sound, we are not perfect. Life is not perfect. We make mistakes, we fail, and we keep on going. It's our history. It's what makes us human; and, since we are all human and share this in common, it's ok to be real and show the work in progress.
So, do not be afraid to live life without a mask or filter. Everyone has the choice, the opportunity to grow and change. Work on your character, not your reputation. Be authentic. Be true to yourself. Be you, because there is only one.
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." - John Wooden
- M
