You Vs. The Highlight Reel

One thing that I have had to learn throughout my life is that I do not compare to the life that people live on social media, and that is ok. It is very rare that people are not going to post the downside of things or days they don’t feel their best. I have been guilty of this numerous times. A video I posted a few weeks back took me 8 takes. 8 Takes! For me to say “Happy Wednesday”.

In my head all these things were cause for a redo; the lighting wasn't right, I stammered a word, my eyeline was off, all things that if I was shooting a professional video would have been real reasons to do another take. But for me to make a personal connection, I know that I need the real me to shine through. That was one of the reasons I wanted to write this post.

I am extremely confident when it comes to the work I do. When I get on a set, I come alive and I am ready for anything. I put on a persona that is inside of me and that person is unstoppable. Ask me to just be myself, and that is where things fall apart. When that happens another me takes over. The me that says “I’m not good enough”, that there is no reason for people to read these blogs, or listen to a podcast I record. That everything I do means nothing.

Sometimes, I let that voice take over. I get low, and get stuck in a funk, and it is hard to pull myself out of it. That is when I lean on others. I have a small circle that sees me like this, my wife, a few close friends, my mentor; these people know the two sides, they know the signs, and they know how to help me get out of it.

I want everyone that reads this to know that when they feel like this, they are not alone. That this feeling of being low or depressed, is something that is completely normal. It is ok to feel like this, but make sure you know who you can rely on to help you. Asking for help does not make you weak. Identifying a weakness is a sign of strength. To know that there is something that you need help with and to ask for it shows conviction. And it is a step in the right direction, a step towards feeling better.

Next time you are feeling like that social media star is better than you, or your friends selfie got more likes than yours, remember it is ok. They have bad days too. You can not compare your life to what others are portraying and being real means coping with highs and lows.

Remember that no matter what you are feeling, it is normal. Others are going through it, or have gone through it, and they can help. You have to find a few people who you trust and open up to them. Let them be your strength when you don’t have any, let them pull you up when you are down, and then be there for them. Sometimes helping someone else is the best way to help yourself.