Every time I take a picture I like of myself, a selfie as we all know it, I debate posting it online.
It's somewhat an odd concept, considering the "front facing camera" was never a thing of the past, but it's become so normalized to snap a pic of yourself and share it with your so-called Facebook "friends" and maybe some Instagram or Twitter followers, whatever you prefer.
Every single time no matter how confident I feel in the picture, I over analyze the repercussions of posting the photo. I ask myself if anyone would really want to see the picture, if I've posted too many, or if would anyone would be annoyed by the photo. Sometimes I even feel just plain awkward about it.
It seems silly but I can't be the only one.
Occasionally in the media we see people being shamed for posting too many selfies just to get likes, as though it's conceited or selfish-to-selfie.
Through the process of considering making the post; when that thought occurs in my head; that people have pointed to the fact of it being bothersome, I begin to sit myself down and have a little chat with myself. (Figuratively speaking. I'm not quite that crazy) I tell myself that you have followers for a reason, they should want to see what you post and care what you have to say. It's your social media and if they're so bothered, they can choose not to partake in it. It's a platform for you to represent and express yourself in any ways in which you choose. It is not wrong or selfish to feel good about yourself now and then. Especially, during a time that it seems the media's standards want us to feel very insecure.
It's yours. It's your presence. You are allowed to take up space.
I think about when I do see selfies or photos posted, even those of my own, they are often followed by kind feedback. So kind that it can be very uplifting for me, and I'd like to think the same for others. We all have insecurities and seeing those we know, even sometimes almost strangers, tell us that we are beautiful human beings has to be one of the best feelings, especially when it's unexpected. To clarify: my vision of myself and my feelings toward myself may be very different in comparison to that of your own, but I think no matter what, compliments will always have a somewhat positive effect. And an even better feeling than someone else telling you you're beautiful is when you can tell yourself that.
So if I had enough followers, or "friends", or views on this article, if I had the power to call a movement on social media; I'd ask that you post MORE selfies.
Post photos when you feel good about yourself. Save those moments. Document them. For others to see. For YOU to see. Remember them. Reflect on them. When you're feeling differently about yourself, look at those comments. Look at all of the beautiful people that surround you and love you. Even people you may not even know. There are people I see online, their art or even just their words inspire me and they have no idea. You could be that for someone just by being your most honest and true self. You are that for someone. You might just not know it. But regardless you need to be that for YOU, for yourself.
So let’s drown social media with real, raw, true, honest beauty. No Photoshop, no standards, no shaming. Let’s do this for each other. I'm expecting to see lots of selfies. And you better also throw out the likes and comments like crazy too. Don't just look at a post and think about someone's cute face or bubbly personality... tell them. Tell them how you feel. They deserve it. More than you know. YOU deserve it.
Spread the Love to one another. That's all that I'm asking.
And next time you're feeling doubtful,
Post it. Fall in love with yourself... ie
