I have been in a recent position to share a little more on social media, all because I have had some space to breathe and even be a little more creative. Been loving that to be honest!
With that added online activity it has of course created some comment and conversation.
One particular comment caught my attention recently and prompted me to share a little...
"It looks as though you are living the good life down there in the deep south Locky"
My philosophy is to share key important moments and the like via the "socials", so that my friends and family can have a glimpse of what is happening in our lives.
Most of you are probably the same I would guess?
But what struck me as I reflected on this was the question, "am I really living the good life?"
Could someone really ascertain what life is like for us from what I post?
If I am being really honest the reality is that the answer is a resounding no.
What you and I are most likely share in reality is the carefully curated highlights of our lives.
This practice emphasises joyful moments and accomplishments while often omitting everyday struggles, creating a personal narrative or "highlight reel" for your audience of friends and family.
I don't choose to share the bits of my life I don't like.
I don't share the "dark nights of the soul".
I purposefully share the best bits.
The pieces I want to curate while ignoring the negative from this space.
Maybe you could on a deeper level consider this an act of Smoke & Mirrors?
This classic metaphor where at its extreme is kind of a deceptive practice, but kind of encapsulates for me the reality of our social media use. You simply cannot ascertain what life is probably truly like for any other us, via this medium. And if you recognise that as reality it will help you navigate it better.
You will stop seeing others lives and maybe even become envious?
You will recognise that people are more than the moments that they choose to share?
Can I encourage you to embrace what is now considered old fashioned and have conversations face to face?
Instead of merely curating the presentation of life, consider the careful curation of relationships with a few trusted companions who you can be real with, and they with you?
When it is that personal it its harder to succumb to the smoke and mirrors.
And I for one think that is more important and healthy, even though I find it truly hard.
Something to think about...
