What Photoshop is Doing to Your Self-esteem

Sure, we all know photoshop exists. It used to be one of those things you saw in magazines, before social media. You knew looking at the model on the front cover wasn't actually a waist size triple zero but you still drooled in aw of how amazing she looked. Fast forward to today's society photoshop is way more relevant. Something that you were used to just seeing in print ads or billboards is now literally everywhere you turn. Photoshop or simply fixing an image is now easier than ever.

There are hundreds of apps that are free or a small price that can completely change the way you look within seconds. Scary right? Or maybe not. Some people love the fact that they have these tools at their finger tips. You see, social media has become that platform where you can be literally anyone you want. You can even become the most perfect version of yourself, with little to no cost. 

While I can't be the one to criticize because I have done it myself, like fix the dark spot under my eyes or make my teeth look a little whiter in photos, some have taken it to an all new level. Completely changing and editing the way their bodies look all for what? Followers? Likes? DM's? Is it really worth it? When we all know the moment you step outside your social media bubble you don't actually look that way? 

I thought long and hard about this post before actually writing it. I was hesitant because sure I use filters too and have done the minor editing also. So who am I to judge right? But have I changed the way my body looks to sell my fitness plans? No. Have I edited my before and after photos to sell more nutrition guides? No. I'm all about the term "fake it till you make it" but not when you're lying for an audience, or an income.

I am just like any other typical 20-something year old girl. We are all impressionable and gullible to an extent. It's hard to see other people on social media whom you might look up to or compare yourself to, yet they don't even look like that. Our society is teaching us to fix all of our flaws, make ourselves look perfect and sell that image to anyone who will listen. Terrifying, right? 

I know I have a gorgeous body (not to sound cocky) and I love who I am. Are there things I want to change? Absolutely. Would I love it if I could have insanely ripped abs? Yes, the real question is who wouldn't? And for me, I know I will get there the right way, the healthy way. But that little voice comes creeping back in while I scroll through my Instagram feed. The little voice nagging at you instantly telling you that you don't workout hard enough or you don't eat clean enough or you don't drink enough water. "You're not enough". Which isn't true! 

Don't let the insecurities of others become your own. What I mean is, if someone is so drastically changing their own photos they must be struggling within themselves to think others would accept them just as they are. And you shouldn't adapt those feelings either. We are all made unique in our own way. Some people are as skinny as a pole and some have curves. If we all looked the same there would be no diversity, nothing interesting in this world. My point being- stop taking social media so seriously. 

Surround yourself with positive vibes. Follow people who speak the truth. Look at things that motivate you to do better, not to bring you down. In a world that is constantly telling us we aren't good enough and that there is a quick fix for all our flaws, say no. Say no and love yourself for who you are and who YOU strive to become. Not someone the world is telling you to be.

Self love. Love yourself and love others. Love is what makes this world go round, not photoshop! XO

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