If you follow my ‘stories’ on Instagram, you probably noticed I was a little quiet a couple of weeks back – not that I share on a continual/daily basis – but I wasn’t sharing at all for a few-ish days. I’m still getting the hang of using ‘stories’ and there were reasons that I didn’t jump on that as quickly as most due to insecurities — which brings me to the reason for this blog post.
Late to the ‘IG Story’ Party
When I would watch some of the people I follow do Instagram stories, the one thing I did notice was how young most of my fellow blog mates are. That said, I felt like I fit right in even though there’s a pretty big age difference because I feel young, I share the same interests and frankly, none of my friends I made on social media, have made me feel anything other than, their friend. I remember chatting with a group of gals in our little blogger group, about the fact that I felt awkward showing my face and speaking into my phone (selfie shots while talking!) because of my insecurities. They continually encouraged me to hop on and share via IG Stories and so I finally took that plunge and it was a slow process …..sharing 1x per day, then not sharing for a few days …..then again 1x etc and so on. Within the last 6ish months, I got more comfortable and the people messaging back made me feel like it was definitely a worth while avenue and believe it or not, I created some great bonds with the handful that message regularly.
So what were (are) my insecurities? Well, for one, I had crooked teeth. They bugged the crud out of me but I finally did something about that and got aligners but for the longest time, all I could see in pictures and videos was my front tooth angled out and protruding! 2ndly, my voice. I can’t tell you how much I cringe when I hear my voice in a recording! While playing back a story, I would just have to quickly share it or more often than not, it would get deleted because my voice bugs me. But these aren’t really the biggest reasons for shying away from IG stories — here goes the truth….
I notice my age. So again …I watch my fellow bloggers ‘stories’ and I see vibrant skin, no wrinkles, no bags under the eyes, no crinkle skin (or stretchy skin as my granddaughter calls it) and I seriously feel exactly how these ladies look! BUT THEN — I do a story and see myself and am like, “AHHHHH! I’m not as young as I feel!!!” I see the crows feet, the lines by my mouth ….the jowls staring to “form” and the lines on my forehead. I have 53 years of life on my face and really, I’m ok with growing old gracefully but clearly I don’t look like most of the people I follow and by the looks of my demographic following, I don’t look like most of the people that my following, follows….if that makes sense. While I became a bit more comfortable being in front of my phone on video, I still saw the pesky lines and “age” before me. It is what it is …right??
Would You Say This to My Face?
As I’m sure most of you are aware, I am a Beautycounter consultant. I have actually been in the business for a couple/few years. Recently, I’ve been more active in trying to bring more awareness to using safer skincare and the reasons we should be more mindful about what we put on our body, as much as we are with what we put in it. One day while doing a ‘story’ on IG, I was sharing a couple of products that I love! (our Overnight Resurfacing Peel & the Counter Match Sleeping Recovery Cream) They have been game changing in terms of how my skin feels and have shown great improvements on fine lines and age spots.
“Well, you should probably use a better product because you have a long way to go to look younger.” <– This. A comment that was messaged to me from my ‘story’. Not to be out done by, –> “Maybe botox will better suit you.” Another inspiring comment. I ask you — do you think these 2 people would have actually said this to my face?? Frankly, I would have rather they did so because hiding behind a screen is pretty sad and cowardly. I didn’t respond to the first one because I was so taken back and with the 2nd message, a simple, “Wow.” was all I said.
I’m not anything other than a human being trying to inspire people. I’m not a chef, nutritionist or make up artist for that matter. I share what I do because I am in fact, just your average, “normal” everyday gal who tries to live a clean life by way of food and lifestyle. This is why I share ……because if I can do it, anyone can do it! I am not perfect and I’m not 20. So while these products I share have in fact, made a difference in my skin, it doesn’t turn back the clock! I’m not selling a miracle …..and though I’ve personally seen great improvements, I’m still 53 years old and Beautycounter is helping me age gracefully – all the while making sure I’m not putting on crazy chemicals that could possibly wreak havoc on my health.
If You Can’t Say Something Nice ….
I’m sure all mom’s have said this to their children at some point or another! “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Well, I have to agree. I’m all for constructive criticism and I even like a good debate from time to time BUT please …..be careful of the words that might hurt someone. Did these people mean to hurt my feelings or were they just being honest about what they see? I don’t know but I do know that with social media, more and more people think they can spew harsh and hurtful words because they are hidden. Ask yourself, “Would you say this to their face?” and be honest with yourself – if the answer is ‘no’, then please refrain from saying it behind your screen.
These 2 comments hurt. I began to wonder if I should show myself on ‘stories’ anymore. I doubted that I could have a successful business with Beautycounter because I have “stretchy skin” (as my sweet, sweet Mazzy calls it) and I kind of stayed off the radar because I was a little down. Granted, I’m sooooo thankful for ALL OF THE KIND words I get from all of you and 2 harsh comments shouldn’t outweigh the good but it just goes to show what unkind words can do to a psyche.
I bounced back quickly and I’m good! I’m not going to lie, I wonder about what other message might come through when I’m doing a ‘story’ but as I just mentioned, I get so many great comments and have connected with so many great people that I refuse to let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch! But more than that …yes, I’m insecure about my “imperfections”, if you will but I’m ‘ok’ with them! I will continue to grow old gracefully and share bits and pieces of my life with you all …..along with the reason I’m here in the first place — food! As I evolved with a healthier lifestyle, food is only a part of the equation so yes, I share personal products that will help keep us the healthiest version of us that we can be!
XOXO ~
