Oh the power of the internet and all of the associated meanings behind pictures and the idea of perfection.
Isn't it easy to believe that someone's life is so great because of what we see on their social media, or the glimpses we have into their lives? If I told you this is me 2 years ago and today...
Would you believe me?
HERE IS THE TRUTH.
These 2 pictures are actually taken a couple of HOURS apart, and NO my 1hr swim workout didn't make me look like picture #2 (After).
I didn't take any miracle drugs, I didn't alter the photos, but I feel like I look like 2 different people (yes I realize it's a backshot and a front shot...)
When I took the first photo I cringed... I found my every worst nightmare in this shot: it confirmed every single one of my insecurities: those legs (arrggg), my butt is way bigger than it should be, I'm pear shaped, do my arms really look like that?
The choice was made...I am NOT posting this photo, or maybe I can find a way to crop it so you can't tell...?
The 2nd photo was taken later that night and let's just say I didn't think twice about downloading and posting my selfie. I felt pretty, and confident and I even took extra selfies. I was greeted with comments of Wow! You look hot! These comments felt nice, but I knew the truth - only hours before I'd seen what I really looked like.
Wait, what? What do I REALLY look like? These are both me.
Here is the thing: The angles, the lighting, the positioning of the body all make photos look deceivingly different. What if everyone is only posting their "good moments" on their social? No wonder we are all dealing with increasing anxiety about living up to these self created expectations of what we SHOULD be. I wonder if I posted photo #1 what kinds of comments I would have gotten?
We do have different sides of ourselves, we DO have different angles, and sometimes we feel great and other times not so much...here is the biggest secret we all know and often forget:
Social media is not human and doesn't capture all the angles. YOU are human.
Here is how to transform yourself to live your best life:
1. Take care of your mind by not buying into this idea of social or body perfection.
2. Do what feels good for your body, get active because it's good for your mind, and is scientifically proven to make you feel better, reduce depression, anxiety, adhd, and help you concentrate!
3. Make a goal for yourself that feels good because that is what you are really here for, to Live your Best Life.
If this is helpful, share it with someone else or leave a comment below :) <3 #tuesdayteaching