Self-Image in the age of Social Media

I have a love/hate relationship with social media – its most redeeming attribute is connecting people around the world; that same attribute is also its detriment. We are connected yet consciously and sub-consciously that connection is also tearing us down as individuals. Too many people are falling prey to the thief of joy, COMPARISON. We watch and absorb the lives of others and wonder what is wrong with us or how we can fix our lives to match what we see. Sometimes, we are reminded that the images displayed on social media pages is exactly what is intended but even still, we forget as fast and go back to feeling as if we are lacking. It’s true – the grass always looks greener on the other side until we realize and accept that as much as we assign value and worth to what we see in others, there is just as much value and worth in ourselves to be admired.

So, a couple of years ago, I was the thinnest I’ve been in about 14 years. I had exercised myself down to around 130 pounds and between a size 0-2. I reveled in my accomplishment and loved wearing clothes without my shape-wear. I stayed in this “happy” space with my weight until I got to a place of mental and emotional healing. Yep, that’s the caveat to my massive weight loss – I started a rigorous exercise routine to counter the very hard season I was in. But, once that season was over, I no longer felt the need to exercise for the sake of controlling some aspect of my life. My fitness became about striking a balance between what MY healthy space was mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. I stopped cardio based fitness and focused more on weight training. Accordingly, I gained all the weight I lost (and then some!) I went from 130 pounds to my current weight of 168. And I’ve never felt more confident! My curves came back and even though I gained almost 40 pounds of weight, I actually only went up one size in the waist. I was always bottom heavy so the lower area went up several sizes but hey, that’s genetics 🤷🏽‍♀️

My point is this, every single person on this planet is experiencing life according to his/her purpose. I was given this piece of advice a while ago and it has resonated with me since, trust YOUR process. God’s plan is unique for each of His children. What works for you today is not guaranteed to fulfill you tomorrow. We are constantly in a state of change and growth whether we want to acknowledge it or participate. Yes, I was content and happy at 130 pounds until I wasn’t and decided to do what I needed to do to find a new place of joy which happened to be several sizes and pounds bigger. 

I enjoy observing other people’s lives on the platforms I subscribe to. I pray for folks. I stand in intercession. I applaud them for their wins and successes and encourage them when/if they share their losses and difficulties. It’s a delicate balance that has to be drawn between protecting your inner peace when the outer influence of the world is so accessible. 

Always remember that no matter how put together, successful, beautiful, loved, talented, relevant, important the people you observe appear, at their core, they are no different than you. A picture is worth a thousand words but those words can tell a thousand stories. And do you ever really know the TRUE story? 

Only YOU define the context of your self-image and it is as dynamic as you want it to be! Trust that although there are over 7 billion souls on this planet, YOUR SOUL is distinctly and intentionally created. Stand wholly and confidently in your design. When doubt creeps into your mind and warps your view, let this Word reassure you:

“So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

We ARE infinitely and lovingly and especially created. Every. Person.

I love y’all. Be good to yourselves. Be good to others.