Times are fairly hectic for me right now between working full-time and trying to build my ’empire’ off the ground. Like most of us, there are days when I wish there was more than 24 hours in a day, or failing that, better time management skills on my part…a girl can only hope, right? And yes, even at the age of 33, I still refer to myself as a girl!
Saying that most of us will say that but that leads me to a hot topic right now – social pressure. How many of us try to live up to preconceived expectation people have of you – not to mind the one you have of yourself.
As an image consultant I interact and work with different people every week. Something that comes up all the time is social media and the power that our phone now holds. It’s incredible when you actually think about it, one little device that holds access to pretty much all aspects of everyone’s life.
Don’t get me wrong, its great and that’s why the likes of Facebook is there, to connect with people all over the world. How else would I know how that random girl I haven’t seen since I was a teenager is getting on in Australia? All jokes aside today’s society is looking at life through our screens way too much. I’ll be the first to hold my hands up as I’m guilty of having a nose through Facebook and Snapchat and saying to myself ‘God they lead an amazing life’ and wondering how the hell these social media stars never seem to have a bad hair day!
In reality, of course, those same they would be right because I do and I feel good doing it. However, when I’m on a (rare) break away from social media land, you’ll find quite the different picture! Truth be told, I’m happiest at home in my trackies with sudocrem on my face and, let’s be real here, there isn’t a filter in the world that would make that look glamorous!
The more I look at social media the more I see the perception that’s around and people are becoming less like themselves and basically editing every last inch of themselves. As a woman that gives style and confidence workshops I see firsthand the pressure us women put ourselves under, including myself, and it all stems back to what we see every day on social media. Pressure of what we think we need to be in order to be accepted in this social-media obsessed world where everything is pretty and perfect, and unfortunately, we cant walk around with a permanent filter so you know what? Be you every day and people will love you for it.
With every year of my life I’m gaining more confidence about myself and how I look and feel and that’s why my passion to help boost and instil confidence in others will always bring a smile to my face.
Being comfortable in your own skin is worth all the money in the world and more. Remember – every person we think is ‘perfect’ has a flaw and then some again and it’s absolute ok.
Be good to you and others and smile … it’s the most powerful medicine there is.
Love,
Charlene
