Social media can feel so superficial.

And, on some days, all too much like high school. A place where the popular kids show up and brag about how fabulous their life is. Where the studious show up and fire off a string of articles and studies about the state of our world. Where the rebels post contrary theories, stirring the pot. Where the class clowns can be counted on for the funny stories and memes.

And then, there can feel like there’s a void for the rest of us. 

Those of us that can't easily be categorized. The quiet ones. The anxious ones. The hiders. The ones who long for something deeper than a few words and a click.  (Is it a 'like' or a 'love'?)

It doesn’t feel like there’s space on social media for those that tend to hide.

Unless, of course, you decide to become brave enough to stop.

Stopping Hiding

Despite its downside, social media can be a wonderful place to create new connections. To learn. And it can be a great venue for you to meet ideal clients. And to help them get to know you and who you are, to let them see your business and what it is you do.

But the only way for that to happen is if you stop hiding. 

What would that look like? you might wonder. 

Start Small

First, it doesn't have to be a huge transformation.

In fact, it’s better if you don't think of it that way. It’s better if you don’t come into it with a bunch of ideas like you're going to have to start doing daily Facebook lives and hosting weekly podcasts or showing up all day long in various social media groups. 

None of that’s true anyway.

Instead, it’s much more effective if you approach this one small step at a time.

For example, maybe you decide to start posting what you really care about. The things that anger you - like the lack of healthcare in the U.S. and white supremacy.  Or perhaps you start talking about the things you long for - like a just economy, a dear friend, and the chance to lead people together, to help others find their voice.

Or, maybe, you start saying the things you really want to say - your real opinion about all the things you've been taught not to talk about - religion, politics, advertising and consumerism, capitalism, white privilege.

Or perhaps you start being honest about what you've really been up to, what you're exploring - things like energy reading, Sufism, or the connection between writing, creativity and spirituality - even if they seem strange, or random, or without purpose. Maybe especially if they seem that way.

Seeing You

Once you start being more open on social media, people's opinions of you may very well shift.

They'll see you in a new light. Realize things about you they'd never guessed at. You’ll make new connections. You’ll fill out.

Of course, they may not like what they see.

Or.

You may come, finally and fully into focus. Like when you press down on the focal point while you move your phone's camera. Suddenly all those individuals that were standing in the back of the room sharpen, become defined. 

You've been here all along. Now we can finally see you, the real you.

Photo by Galina N on Unsplash