Umm…Am I still Seeking Validation from Social Media?
Updated: Sep 6
Okay, so boom…I believe this is the 10th blog post on this lil’ website, but to be honest, I didn’t even know what I wanted to express because I knew I wasn’t going (I wanted to put “gonna“ so bad, sigh) to only have nine. There’s something about the number ten that gives a sense of completion with a hint of new beginnings, and I love it! (shout out to Job receiving 10-fold, honey) Plus, I’m still trying to figure out the kinks of my other website: dominiquesrobertsw.com. Well, actually, if I’m being real…I’ve been trying to figure out how to organically drive traffic to the other posts I’ve decided to start making here: HEALING THROUGH HONESTY. Enough rambling, though…for now...
I contemplated making a video and posting it on YouTube, but I’m not in the mood for all of that, and as I’m reading “YOU GOT THIS”, by Caroline Foran, I’m a
bit perplexed because it’s a really good read, but now I’m sitting here in my thoughts and feelings like “Hmm…what the fuck am I doing and what’s happening to the world when it comes to social media?” because it’s soooo chaotic, but at times, so is the real world. Me being me, I had to see who mamacita is, and she appears to be a beautiful, down-to-earth soul. With that being said, I just finished the chapters about confidence, success, and self-worth, and I feel like expressing my own lil’ think piece. Unfortunately, I feel like I’m going to get a bit controversial, but I’m okay with that.
As I’m reading and trying to comprehend everything, it’s bringing me back to the mentality of everything just being…well…a contradiction. I’m noticing that a few things being discussed in the book have already been said before by other people but she’s doing it in her own unique way and making it personable (which I love)...but PAUSE…as I briefly took a peep at her instagram, I couldn’t figure out if it was her actually posting or someone she hired to integrate what’s trending or relevant on social media into the niche of what she does and her audience.
I guess I’m saying all of this to say: is there such a thing as remaining authentic without advertising or selling something that’s trending? …and the answer is I don’t know (I mean that’s why there’s business vs. personal accounts, right?)…and then that made me take a look at myself and why I’m putting effort into making a website, posting on Instagram, and posting on YouTube?! And then it hit me…I think I’m falling into the trap of seeking validation from social media (or am I?). Being a digital creator comes naturally to me (NOT INFLUENCER, honey). Even when I took a computer class during the summer yearsssss ago, my favorite project was making a slideshow with photos from my life growing up synced with the song “Golden” by Jill Scott (I’m pissed I deleted that slideshow off my flash drive). I could sit and design websites, type (or I guess write) out my thoughts, mix music (even though I’m taking a lil’ break), and run my mouth all day because it’s fun! I guess the caveat to that is determining whether I care if others care about it too or tap into the content I create, which I expressed here:
Ironically enough, even after posting that video…I’m still thinking about it…because I want to help others…I really do…But I don’t want to live for other people’s opinions all the time either, because this is still my life.
Even in the book, she went into how it’s a choice to want to succeed in what we do, and essentially, it’s a choice to want monetary wealth or figure out what we truly value in life. I hate to say it and agree, but “competent confidence“ is definitely a real thing that I’ve also experienced (or lack thereof) myself. She doesn’t strike me as a girly who says “vibe” a lot (but I also haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her)...perception is reality (which may or may not be correct). Anywho, as someone who uses the word avidly (shout out to my SoundCloud user comments), the fact that she stated her partner doesn’t care about using social media was such a vibe, honey. Like, I completely resonated with the fact that he values the people he interacts with in the REAL world over what people think on social media because those are the moments we get to really feel and have an experience of…not this digital stuff.
I guess what I’m trying to convey are my own insecurities about being seen but not wanting to be changed or morphed into something that I’m not. Plus, it took me too long to finally accept my flaws, blemishes, and natural beauty without feeling the need to cover anything up.
Being well-known (a.k.a. “fame”) shouldn’t have to come with all of these facades, but it does because, let’s face it… Some “famous” individuals out here may or may not have a likable personality behind closed doors, but if they have an audience, they may need to keep up a certain “image”. Just to be clear, I'm not insinuating that I'll be famous; just making an observation.
Chile, all I know is…it’s a struggle bus to want to organically reach a lot of people WITHOUT the need to be or do something I don’t want to, all because social media may only boost what’s trending. I don’t wanna promote violence, politics, or talk about the newest/hottest thing that’s upcoming, etc. Plus, I’m not put together all the time…it is what it is…I’m just a fellow human being going through the highs and lows of a human experience.
Hmm…so I guess the question becomes “well, shut up, what DO you want to do!?…” and to be honest, I think I’m doing it…
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