Been a lot of talk lately on what is authentic and what is fake on social media. I’ll admit that I’ve been guilty of posting only the best pictures, at the right time, with the perfect caption, all in hopes of obtaining a certain amount of likes. .
I would hide my true self and only post the happiest of captions. Or leave out critical parts of a story to make my life seem perfect. All to make everyone wish they were me or wish they had me.
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Something amazing happened though. Once I threw that all out the window and just started posting whatever I wanted, when I wanted–not only was I happier(real important thing here, who doesn’t want to be happy) but more people started to engage in my posts and follow me. People want to see the real you! Why should they follow you, if you’re just pretending to be someone else? What’s the point of posting your life on social media, if it’s not your life?

I try to be genuine and authentic at all times, in what I consider to be “picture perfect” society. I get asked a lot why I want to work in social media, when social media is proven to increase anxiety. I always tell them, it’s because I want to change how people see and use social media. Social media is for connecting with people. But we can’t connect with people, if we aren’t being who we truly are. Dare to live differently and show all parts of your life. The highs and the lows. Let people celebrate your highs with you, and let them help carry you in your lows. Step out of the “picture perfect”
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You are beautiful. You are unique. Accept it. Rock it. You have stories no one else can tell. You were meant to inspire people that no one else can.

Much love and support,
Maria Jo Stephens