Instagram vs. Reality
Hello, World.
I’ve spent the last few months tucked away in my little universe, living out my happiness IRL (AKA offline) and filling my space with people, places, and things that make me feel the most aligned, and frankly, at peace. These days I’ve been nurturing my relationship with myself and with love. I’ve found it necessary to intentionally reclaim my life, my privacy, space, and time. I realize the significant role social media has played in my confusion of who I am versus who I’ve been and even who I’m becoming. I finally pulled the plug and pressed pause on sharing content online. The purpose of this pause was to explore my newest self by peeling back the layers of my cocoon freely, alone, and in private.
I can tell you what’s always been true about myself is that I am a thinker. I live in my head. Part of me loves getting lost in my thoughts and imagination. Other times, my thinking cap leads me to the troublesome world of overthinking. Nevertheless, while recently in review, I thought about how we too often prioritize sharing our lives with the world through our social channels. I notice that we go year after year, growing older and evolving in life without ever taking a natural pause. Y’know, there’s so much power in pausing. There’s so much beauty in the clear distinction of now versus then. I love taking a break because it’s a radical way of expressing trust in oneself and God enough to take time away to rediscover self, life, or whatever it is you wish to draw your attention to, without fear of missing out or falling behind. Pausing creates a platform for evolution without judgment and distraction.
Here are a few things I’ve learned while taking time to pause:
Privacy makes me feel most powerful.
My value system has changed (a lot.)
My standard for friendships has also changed (a lot.) And I believe Covid has had the most significant impact on this.
I will no longer give power to people and things that have caused harm in the past. Out of sight, out of mind.
I am as free as I allow myself to be.
Taking better care of my body is a priority.
Happiness is a choice.
It’s ok to take a break. Breaks are important.
I am allowed to love again.
Never to question my power.
Even after the pause, I’ve promised myself to keep living as my most peaceful, authentic self. I’m happiest this way. I also remind myself often that I’m still learning how to live in a world post-Covid. Everything has indeed been so different since March 2020. I think we all tried so hard to jump back into life like nothing ever happened—as if we could all pick back up again. Truthfully, patience and gentleness are the best tools we can bring along in our life’s toolbox as we adjust to new life. And, of course, the occasional pause.
Remember, there’s a lot of power in pausing. Lean into it.
Love & Light,
Braea