We currently live in a world that’s driven by our online prescences. We document our lives, edit them, filter them, share them, and pray people like them. People and companies worry about clicks, likes, shares; there are now studies about the effect of being on social media too much, but we as a society continue to post. At its best social media is a great way to stay in contact with friends, provide distraction, and engage everyone in a conversation. At its worst social media can be consuming, overwhelming, and can make you feel inadequate.
Social media is a big part of my daily life, much of our business is done via social media, and it’s a great way to grow the blog. It can be fun and I love keeping up with you and my friends online. It can also be draining. I worry about my brand online, I think about sharing, I want you to like my pictures. If I’m honest I will also admit that there’s pressure about what to post, how often to post, and how honest to be about my private life. There’s been a lot of loss in my family lately, and everyone has bad days, but I don’t want my social feeds to be full of depressing thoughts. I genuinely enjoy sharing my fashion with you, and during this time it’s been a much needed distraction. But is it honest to pretend that everything is hunky dory online? Does it matter?
I’ve been thinking about these questions a lot lately; and unfortunately loves, I have no answers. I think our vulenrabilty is part of the journey (sometimes the best parts) and sharing that with others can strengthen us all. I think that we all get to choose our boundaries on posting, there is no right way to do this. But I think above all, we are all human behind these beautiful photos- with flaws, good days and bad days, and a need for connection. I think social media can help with bad days, and I also think there’s nothing wrong with sharing your struggles online. Perhaps the challenge for us all is to find the balance in the posts, and to figure out how to share the best bits of ourselves when we share, even if those parts are the vulnerable ones.
I’d love to get your input! How do you handle your social media? Do you share your struggles? What are your thoughts on people who do?
Wishing us all a week of journeys and amazing shoes! XO RA
