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Behind the Instagram

April 17, 2015 by Emily 25 Comments

I try to think of social media, particularly Instagram, as a highlight reel. It’s a place where people post their best, happiest, prettiest moments…with a filter. The truth? Life isn’t as perfect as it may seem in a picture. It’s far from it, for me. As a sort of follow-up to my Women in Real Life post, here is the full-story behind 5 of my most recent Instagrams (<– shameless plug, follow me!).

Think of this as how I SHOULD have captioned the photo.

Instagram

The backstory: The perfect spring break? Eh that’s a stretch. There were some arguments and stress, courtesy of moi. My family is my life but “perfect” is never going to be the right word. Also, there were flies swarming all around us. I got at least 5 bug bites. The good part: I loved the wine.

Instagram

The backstory: This was my first day back to school after spring break. Not only was I sad to have just left home, but I was overwhelmed with a busy first week back. The flowers and pedicure were serious bright spots on an otherwise rough day. Oh and the flowers lasted like 3 days.

Instagram

The backstory: If you hadn’t figured it out, this was totally a staged photo (like most Instagram’s are). The day earlier was a long, rough day and I was burnt out. Part of me felt guilty for staying inside because the weather was gorgeous. But I let my laziness run it’s course, something I highly suggest doing every once-in-a-while. (I wrote this post about it)

Instagram

The backstory: I went to a cute area of town to walk around/window shop and I had to spend NINE DOLLARS to park for 1 1/2 hours. The smoothie? $8. Both overpriced in my book. Nothing wrong with the smoothie…it was actually pretty good.

Instagram

The backstory: I really did need a bigger plate. As soon as I went to cut the food, everything spilled over. The salmon was a tad overcooked too, hence why I didn’t eat it plain (the dressing and other items made it better).

While these are silly, little examples, there is always more to the story. Don’t compare your life to someone’s filtered moments, because real life is a beautiful mess.

Happy Friday!

*Linking up to Friday Favorites!*

How often do you use Instagram?
What is your favorite form of social media?

 

Filed Under: Life, Link-up, Thoughts Tagged With: Five Things Friday, Life posts, social media, Women in Real Life

Comments

  1. Pamela Hernandez says

    April 17, 2015 at 7:39 am

    Love Instagram! I have become very conscious of the pressure of selfies. I try to not use filters anymore on pics of myself to “keep it real”.
    Pamela Hernandez recently posted…30 Minutes a Day Isn’t Enough for Fitness or Fat LossMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Georgie says

    April 17, 2015 at 9:11 am

    I absolutely love this idea! Sharing the story behind the ‘gram. I love instagram because I love photography, food and “daily life” snippits. I often worry that my photos project a different version of myself so once in a while I try to share something a little more “raw” – it’s also a reason I’m a fan of snapchat because it’s all about “the moment” not editing everything.
    Georgie recently posted…Zoodles with Basil Avocado SauceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 4:50 pm

      I do like Instagram because of the photography and design focus. Oh and the food…I personally love both your food and “raw” pics :) I STILL haven’t gotten into snapchat! I have one but it has like a million notifications so I never open it haha.

      Reply
  3. Sarah @pickyrunner says

    April 17, 2015 at 10:28 am

    Ohhhhkay how did you get inside of my brain? I literally wrote this exact post yesterday to auto-launch sometime next week! Yes yes yes. I love instagram but it can be so detrimental when we compare ourselves to everyone else’s highlight reels. Happy Friday, twin :)
    Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…Post-Injury RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 4:51 pm

      I would say I’m surprised but we are literally the same person so nothing surprises me anymore ;) Can’t wait to see your post. Oh and congrats on a kick-ass race!!!

      Reply
  4. Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

    April 17, 2015 at 10:40 am

    Hehe, love these ;) I hate instagram with a passion…but it is a necessary beast for bloggers….apparently!
    Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Friday Finisher 4/17/15My Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 4:52 pm

      I still don’t use it to it’s fullest potential. I need to make and save hashtags because I always use random ones.

      Reply
  5. Hayley @ Full of Life says

    April 17, 2015 at 11:08 am

    Thanks for being so real, girl. You’re so right that instagram is just a highlight reel and it’s something I keep in mind whenever my mind starts to play the comparison game on it.
    Hayley @ Full of Life recently posted…Five Things FridayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 4:53 pm

      Just have to say how glad I am that I found your blog. Have to go dig through the archives to catch up ;)

      Reply
      • Hayley @ Full of Life says

        April 19, 2015 at 5:14 pm

        Aw me too about yours!! My archives are like a week old because I just started back up with a new blog actually so it won’t take you long to catch up ;)

        Reply
  6. Liv @ Healthy Liv says

    April 17, 2015 at 11:23 am

    I love this post! Remembering that there’s a bigger story behind the “perfect” snapshots that includes real life is so important and I’m totally guilty of forgetting that.
    Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…RecentlyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 4:55 pm

      Whenever I see “perfect” Instagrams posted by my friends I really have to catch myself from assuming that their life is perfect. It’s refreshing to hear the backstory to them sometimes :)

      Reply
  7. Cailee says

    April 17, 2015 at 11:25 am

    This is so great that you share your real thoughts… I think it’s so true… with Instagram and otherwise, it’s easy to live our life on display and be viewed as happy, optimistic and cheerful 24/7… even when we’re struggling though things. Great post girl! Thanks for the honesty!
    Cailee recently posted…Food Review Friday- Best Gluten Free Snacks!My Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 4:56 pm

      Thanks for your comment, Cailee! I sometimes need the reminder that someone’s life isn’t as perfect as it seems on social media. We choose what we share and purposefully don’t post everything!

      Reply
  8. Emily @ Sweets and Beets says

    April 17, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Aww I lovee this! What a good idea for a post. Wouldn’t it be great if you could actually hear the backstory behind everyone’s social media images they project?!

    Sending <3 your way to combat these bummers! :)
    Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…Lollipops, Yoga, Burgers and TexasMy Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 4:57 pm

      Sometimes I see a friend’s Instagram, assume something, and days later find out the backstory. Doesn’t always happen but it’s a reminder not to take things for face value!

      Reply
  9. Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me says

    April 17, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    I LOVE THIS POST. I think I may do a copy of it soon (if that is alright with you- will totally point the credit and origin to you)

    I did a post recently on something similar to this. I did a video discussing how people tend to falsify themselves through social media. Not with malicious intent of course, but it’s just a fact of life. I really make myself evaluate what I do on social media, whether it be through my blog or Instagram, and ensure I am being honest. I want to be as authentic as possible!
    Julia @ Lord Still Loves Me recently posted…Giving Up Exercise: My StoryMy Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      Oh girl, GO FOR IT! Can’t wait to see what you post :) You’re so right- it’s not done with malicious intent.

      Reply
  10. Melanie says

    April 17, 2015 at 8:32 pm

    Interesting take on Instagram. I feel like most of what is posted online is personal announcements, accolades, and “billboards”. I’m guilty of it. Maybe most people post the way they (I) do because it’s an effort to not fill up newsfeeds with negativity? If I have a real awful day and I choose to post the one highlight of the day, I’m choosing to see the good and sharing that. You got me thinking. :)
    Melanie recently posted…Friday Five: Gear I LoveMy Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 5:01 pm

      Melanie, THANK YOU for this. I think your perspective is really healthy and positive. I guess a balance of both types of posts would be ideal in this case.

      Reply
  11. She Rocks Fitness says

    April 18, 2015 at 9:32 am

    LOVE this…What would IG be like if we didn’t have all those filters to make things look prettier? And I get so bummed out when I buy flowers and they die within 3 days. I’ve actually returned some to TJ’s because of that and they always accept my return. :) Great post friend! XOXO
    She Rocks Fitness recently posted…New Beginnings…The Negative VoiceMy Profile

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 5:03 pm

      I never even thought of returning them but I’m so going to next time! I sometimes wonder if people still use the hashtag #nofilter when there really is a filter…or at least some editing.

      Reply
  12. Tara says

    April 19, 2015 at 11:01 am

    Loooooove this

    Reply
    • Emily says

      April 19, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      Thanks, Tara!

      Reply

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Hi, I’m Emily!


A twenty-something college senior and lover of long runs, afternoon naps, home cooked meals, almond butter and my dog (not necessarily in that order). Join me on my journey to find a mostly healthy balance in food, fitness and life.

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