My Instagram Inspiration

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Over the summer, someone recommended I start a bulletin in order to showcase things I am proud of. The exercise was supposed to help me build confidence in myself. However, I have no patience for constantly printing pictures, nor clipping magazines. Instead, I turned to Instagram for a comprehensive place to post my achievements.

I started with an adventure I was having with my grandma, a beautiful (non-personal) shot of a blueberry bush. I collected a few friends as well as limited the viewers of my posts to private. "This isn't about likes," I told myself, "it's all for me." As my Instagram feed grew, so did my confidence. I could flip through the screen and smile at all the fun times I enjoyed. I posted recipes that were a delicious success. I posted adventures with friends or family. It still feels great to look at all of these photos.

In love with the filter system, I wanted more. I downloaded an app called Canva. It's a basic photo editing software for your phone. In no time, my photos looked amazing. I could feature quotes, create collages, anything.


I still post to Instagram, though I've lost that "gotta post it" feeling for many things. I occasionally look at likes, especially to see if my direct family or friends have seen it. I love it when I can talk about something going on in my life and a friend chimes in, "I saw that on Instagram, you did a great job." However, I think some people get caught up in the fame of Instagram, constantly looking for likes or followers. Some compare themselves to others too much. If my Instagram feed is the best of my very best, than how can I compare my struggling moments to the posts from everyone else.

Using Instagram to post and self-reflect on my own growth through the year has helped me gain confidence, boosting positivity and creativity. Most importantly, I'm having fun. I hope you will too. 

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