Around this time two years ago, I was terrified of my phone. More specifically, of opening any social media apps. After 6 years of building an online platform around the values of helping others, creating community and encouraging change, my brain had hit a point that I genuinely didn’t see coming. I was too scared to even click.
I could’ve written this, albeit from a part of a socia media user and not an influencer. But, I deleted all my socials back in January. I just couldn’t look at al the misery and stress and fake people trying to win the algorithm game anymore. I started going out and living my life more without the thought “oh this would be a perfect post for Instagram” or whatever. I found myself messaging people directly, I got invitations to meet up for coffee and lunch and to hang out because people weren’t getting all my life for free and had to actually see me to see me ha. It’s been absolutely refreshing. I thought this morning, if I do go back, it will be one day a month to share the highlights with my friends and that is all I want now.
I’ve done a lot of work this past year, looking at my people pleasing and why I feel the need to share everything, so it’s so refreshing not sharing anything at all.
Thank you! I have drastically altered my use of social media but it's still a work in progress. My biggest change is deleting Instagram off my phone so I can only use it on my (much more inconvenient to hold) tablet. I also unfollowed/muted so many accounts to help prevent being hit from all sides with information. More joy shows up on my feed again, which I love.
As always, thank you for sharing your heart. Social media is such a double edged sword, and I’m constantly learning new ways to handle it, even as someone without a big following. I know that doing that when you DO have a large following adds multiple layers of complexity. As always, I really respect you for examining where things are, and choosing to do what you can to stay in integrity (saying that word reminds me of the book “The Way of Integrity” by Martha Beck, which I absolutely recommend. Game changer!) people like you are the upside of social media, and I was delighted that you started this newsletter, since I’d been looking for ways to stay connected with my favorites outside of Instagram. I am delighted every time I see it in my inbox.
Sophie, thank you so much 🥺 "stay in integrity" is a beautiful phrase and I'm absolutely ordering that book. So lovely to know you like seeing my name pop up! 💜
See you there, my friend! Always prioritize your own well-being, but I have appreciated this eating disorder awareness week so much!!! ❤️ Thank you for sharing you.
Awh thank you Katie! They felt really good to make actually - like reconnecting to ways I used to show up before all the overthinking crept in! Appreciate you! 🥰
Great and timely reminder that I can be autonomous in social media spaces AND be part of mutually accountable, connected communities there. Love how you model the community and culture you want online - thank you 😊
Good luck with that, darling being. I wish nothing but nourishment for you on there. I won’t be joining you there, but am delighted to meet you right here 😍
Hi Megan - I wonder if you have any thoughts you could share about Lindo Bacon and the harm they are being held accountable to in the context of call out/cancel culture and online toxicity. I would love to get your understanding of what's at play right now.
I love this piece so much. Thank you for sharing what I believe so many of us feel. Here's to reclaiming the space and place for -- as you so beautifully put it -- connection, community and creating change. See you there.
I could’ve written this, albeit from a part of a socia media user and not an influencer. But, I deleted all my socials back in January. I just couldn’t look at al the misery and stress and fake people trying to win the algorithm game anymore. I started going out and living my life more without the thought “oh this would be a perfect post for Instagram” or whatever. I found myself messaging people directly, I got invitations to meet up for coffee and lunch and to hang out because people weren’t getting all my life for free and had to actually see me to see me ha. It’s been absolutely refreshing. I thought this morning, if I do go back, it will be one day a month to share the highlights with my friends and that is all I want now.
Raffy I love this so much - you chose you! What a beautiful realisation. Thank you for sharing 💜💜
I’ve done a lot of work this past year, looking at my people pleasing and why I feel the need to share everything, so it’s so refreshing not sharing anything at all.
See you there, Megan! ❤️
Thank you! I have drastically altered my use of social media but it's still a work in progress. My biggest change is deleting Instagram off my phone so I can only use it on my (much more inconvenient to hold) tablet. I also unfollowed/muted so many accounts to help prevent being hit from all sides with information. More joy shows up on my feed again, which I love.
I love this for you too Renee! Thanks for including me in that 😇💜
As always, thank you for sharing your heart. Social media is such a double edged sword, and I’m constantly learning new ways to handle it, even as someone without a big following. I know that doing that when you DO have a large following adds multiple layers of complexity. As always, I really respect you for examining where things are, and choosing to do what you can to stay in integrity (saying that word reminds me of the book “The Way of Integrity” by Martha Beck, which I absolutely recommend. Game changer!) people like you are the upside of social media, and I was delighted that you started this newsletter, since I’d been looking for ways to stay connected with my favorites outside of Instagram. I am delighted every time I see it in my inbox.
Sophie, thank you so much 🥺 "stay in integrity" is a beautiful phrase and I'm absolutely ordering that book. So lovely to know you like seeing my name pop up! 💜
See you there, my friend! Always prioritize your own well-being, but I have appreciated this eating disorder awareness week so much!!! ❤️ Thank you for sharing you.
Awh thank you Katie! They felt really good to make actually - like reconnecting to ways I used to show up before all the overthinking crept in! Appreciate you! 🥰
Great and timely reminder that I can be autonomous in social media spaces AND be part of mutually accountable, connected communities there. Love how you model the community and culture you want online - thank you 😊
Absolutely this! More autonomy! Less overwhelm! 🙌🏽💜
Good luck with that, darling being. I wish nothing but nourishment for you on there. I won’t be joining you there, but am delighted to meet you right here 😍
I love you and I love your boundaries more 💜
Hi Megan - I wonder if you have any thoughts you could share about Lindo Bacon and the harm they are being held accountable to in the context of call out/cancel culture and online toxicity. I would love to get your understanding of what's at play right now.
YEEEES!!! thank you.
I love this piece so much. Thank you for sharing what I believe so many of us feel. Here's to reclaiming the space and place for -- as you so beautifully put it -- connection, community and creating change. See you there.