More and more often these days we encounter folks living life through the lens of their smartphone. Ever since becoming a social influencer turned into a real career it has become increasingly difficult to know what is real and what is staged. Not only that, but how often are you interrupting your own life in order to capture a moment that is sure to get you attention on social media.
Is it really worth it though? Stop and ask yourself…
How many beautiful sunrises get missed? How many meals are really tasted and enjoyed? How many family/friend moments are put on pause to snap a photo?
“Time isn’t precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time — past and future — the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is.”
― Eckhart Tolle
Knowing that any, most, or all of what you do is being captured on camera changes the way you act. Every birthday party is a performance. Brunch is a photo shoot. A relaxing hike is #themountainsarecalling.
John Muir is rolling over in his grave.
Please do not misunderstand my point, this is not an article to just hate on people making a living off of social media. In fact there are things about social media that I love. The point is to bring awareness to the fact that what you see on Instagram is NOT real life. What you see most folks doing is playing a character in their own life. Showing a highlight reel that contains the settings, outfits, and activities they want you to see.
Ryan Holiday, author of Ego Is The Enemy says it well.
Almost universally, the kind of performance we give on social media is positive. It’s more “Let me tell you how well things are going. Look how great I am.” It’s rarely the truth: “I’m scared. I’m struggling. I don’t know.”
Social media can be great for learning, sharing, and capturing memories. Just know that it is usually the opposite of social and it can often take away from the moment to pull out your phone.
You are worth so much more than likes and comments. Don’t get it twisted.
And if you do, be sure to tag us 😉
@crossfitcornelius