As I take a picture or write a post on my favorite social media sites, I find myself in two situations. The first, I press share without thinking, encompassed by adrenaline and wit of my post (so I think), and then situation number two, I press share apprehensively and self-consciously. In the later, I am thinking, “well I posted it, it’s done,” slightly concerned about my action, and pressing refresh; hoping for at least 5 likes to affirm myself. In the first, I have no remorse on how my post affects anyone or anything, and the potential, even slight, damage I am causing my “followers”.
I have devoted my life to helping, loving and encouraging women to embrace the idea of health and fitness at a balanced pace. One of my biggest struggles is to express positively those ideas and thoughts about fitness and health in a way that is uplifting. I believe there is a fine line between giving encouragement and, unknowingly at times, inflicting guilt. Getting into shape is a big deal for women today. It’s NOT easy and it’s NOT instant. It truly takes work and discipline. I also believe certain women have an easier road to find their body and their health to ultimately transform to absolutely ideal bodies, leaving everyone perplexed. So I have wrestled with the social media thing. Do repercussions exist on what we post without thinking, especially regarding health and fitness?
So how are the “I did this” and “I ate this” and look at my body pictures affecting us? When I hear the media talk about how nonstop sharing of body/food posts and pictures can help us feel inspired and motivated, I begin to question the topic. After speaking to some close friends on the subject, I found the sharer’s message is not always guilt-inflicting, but determined by the receiver’s state of mind and self-assurance level. Those that had higher self-esteem could block out the added feelings of guilt and comparison personally, BUT found their guilt came from feeling judgmental and sad for the over-sharers(made up word for blog purpose to describe those that over share). Those with lower self-esteem seemed to feel overwhelmed and frustrated with themselves because they felt they could not live up to the over-sharers.
A few common threads were found, whether or not guilt or self loathing is a factor, jealousy appeared to be an issue with the majority. I also realized that of my small study group of women, each felt sorry for the people that feel the need to spend a considerable amount of time over sharing their progress. My feelings on the subject are that more than not, no matter how you receive this topic, these posts seem to help FEW–even the over-sharers. The aftermath of the social media storm I have named Selfie Destruction, leaves few in its path, whether we want to believe it or not.
Before you press SHARE—->
Think about how each post can benefit the greater good. Before pressing the instant share, ask yourself how you want to portray cyber-you. If done without tact or thought, it is VERY discouraging for people who want to make fitness changes or lifestyle changes when they see people posting six-pack ab photos, or doing things that are unachievable for the average person with a normal, busy lifestyle. Jesus had followers, but he did not make them feel jealous, he made them feel loved. Yes, even cyber-you can be more like Jesus.
Find ways to invite others in your journey on social media. To take a picture of what you have done and share is completely fine, there is NOTHING wrong with an accomplishment. Invite others to consider the adventure with you. Take a picture of yourself at the event or accomplishment but make it about the others competing in the event with you, or the weather, something funny that happened before or during, not only yourself.
Less is more. Post about yourself and your achievements. SOMETIMES. It is so great to see that every so often and so much sweeter for your friends and followers to see on occasion to see what you are up too. Make it brief and light-hearted minus the bragging. Usually, they can tell how awesome you are without any words at all!
Processing the SHARERS—>
Realize that what they are doing is not instant or easy. What your friends are posting about their transformations is not an easy task. This takes absolute work and they were probably in the same situation. Try to find a way to feel happy for them and possibly contact them for advice and accountability and the true story of their path. Not just a picture. Even though it took 10 seconds to post, it took 10 months or more to transform.
Hide. Unfollow. Delete your account. You can only control YOU. What is best for you if someone is being too much or you feel like you are comparing yourself too much. It is time to take a break from social media and work on yourself. Ultimately, this task of overcoming selfie-destruction is up to US. We must decide if we are to wallow in what that one person we never see is doing OR improve ourselves! How exciting that we can actually improve ourselves if we let go of our fear, jealousy and defeat and begin a new journey. Accepting the failures with instant resiliency and finding REAL friends to help us on our healthy path.
simply(fit) 