Perception Isn’t Perfection

Hey Babes!

I have been slacking on the blog posts lately, because of my full-time job, marriage, life in general! But I also took note from a recent poll I had on my Instagram stories where Y’all shared that you are more into Instagram posts than actual blog posts. So, I figured I’d try out posting super important or stand out content on the blog to see if this reacts better with Y’all, my audience!

Anyways, today’s topic is something that has been weighing heavy on me! One of my blogger babes, Aleesha Thomas, touched on it on one of her recent Instagram posts and it motivated me to finally sit down and write this piece. It’s a bit wordy, so stick with me if you can!

Being on such a public social platform is scary Y’all and it can be brutal. I’ve been the victim of stalking, been told I’m just another “pretty, blonde, white girl”, I’ve had people give me compliments only to turn around and say something nasty behind my back, leave rude comments on my pictures, the list goes on. I used to quickly block people or delete comments, but recently decided I would leave them public, kill them with kindness and move on with my day. Honestly, anyone who is miserable enough to act fake behind their phone screen has more insecurities than I can fix or care to entertain. While venting to my Husband about all this drama, he pointed out that people “idolize” influencers and bloggers in different ways. Some genuinely love what you have to share and want to be a part of it, others slip into jealousy and ugliness. What can I say? You win some and you lose some. If you’re one of those who truly enjoys what I share, thank you so very much, I can never express how awesome that is. And if you’re one of those just looking for something to pick apart about me or gossip to your friends in a group chat about, I’ll pray for you. 

Perception: a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something; a mental impression.

In today’s digital world of social media, it is so terribly easy for perception to overshadow reality. I’ve had people tell me I’m perfect, goals, so beautiful, etc., and trust me, I would be lying if I said those compliments don’t make me feel incredible! BUT, at the same time, I’m like, did you know it took 20 pictures, a spray tan, couple hundred bucks on hair, makeup and clothes to get that “perfect, goals, beautiful” image? Do you know how long I picked apart my picture before I posted it? Wondered how many “likes” it would get? If you even care what I have to post about? I know I speak for other influencers and bloggers when I say we stress about whether or not our content is relevant to you! It’s still crazy to me to think that someone actually thinks that I am PERFECTION.

Recently, one of my friends told me I don’t realize how perfect my life looks on paper. She pointed out that I am happily married, a college graduate in a field I am passionate about, I love my job, own a house and a brand new car and have family and friends that love and support me. It really took me by surprise, because while I am so thankful for all that  I have, I am so far from perfect Y’all. I’m human just like you. There are days that my jeans are too tight, I wake up late, don’t brush my hair, I get breakouts, I skip the gym, the list goes on and on! I take life one day at a time, one foot in front of the other and just strive to be better every single day. I’d rather be viewed as someone who worked hard for what she has because nothing in my life was ever given to me. If you see perfection, it’s because your girl put in the work. I wasn’t born with a crown on my head.

With all that being said, I challenge you to step back and really look at yourself inside and out. Any insecurities you may see, are someone else’s definition of goals! You can be your biggest fan or your own worst enemy, it’s completely up to you. I ask that you be true to yourself and set out to be an inspiration to other. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find we are all one in the same!

So here’s a few things I’d like to share for the next time you come across anyone’s picture and the word perfection comes to mind:

• 9 times out of 10 (if not 10/10!) the picture you are looking at is edited! This means teeth whitening, smoothing, brightening, sharpening, etc.
• The number of outtakes for the “perfect shot” is usually ridiculous lol
• Influencers/Bloggers don’t show you unflattering clothes or angles
• Creating relevant content is hard work and costs money
• We are humans too, with flaws, we just don’t share them because that’s not the reason why you’re looking at our photos