Self-acceptance in the age of Social Media

We live in a volatile world. Our social media is flooded with changing trends and the world around us on the internet seems so happening and perfect that we end up questioning ourselves, after a long day at work or amidst preparing for an examination or going through a bad phase when we rely on the couch to seek comfort and peace and open our social media handle just to see a remote acquaintance posting a perfect date picture or a convocation which brings us back to self-doubt.This is depressing and has an adverse effect on us, at least most of us are affected by this at some point in our lives.

I recall an awful phase when I was in grade 11th. I got admitted in a college which I didn't like, I couldn't gel with my peers, I was tired of the monotonous routine. While my friends on Facebook continued posting their First Fest at their respective colleges. It had an adverse effect on me. I questioned myself What am I doing with my life? There was no peace of mind and I turned impatient. I could not deal with it.

I had no friends in college. I used to spend most of my time alone. I felt disturbed and devastated. However, I decided it's high time I take charge of my career. I tried to have an organized approach. I was bothered by the fact that my relatives and friends would often ask me to lose weight to fit into the conventional definition of handsome and beautiful. However, I asked myself if I  enjoy working out after trying my hands on it. I realized that presently I don't see it as a priority and there was an end to it.

Trust me, it was and is a constant battle to remind myself everytime that there are better things stored. To be brutally honest, I felt unworthy, I felt I have gone wrong and that I am inadequate. However each time I was intimidated by these thoughts I reminded myself that this is not the end. I remained optimistic by reading books, watching interviews of people I truly admire. I went to speak to my friends.

This awful phase taught me many things. Firstly to accept the fact that you are not always going to get the way you want it, circumstances may not be always favorable, however, I learned to be adaptable. I have changed my view of looking at problems or challenges, now I view it as an opportunity. I would say that my two years of 11th and 12 grade were full of errors and trails, but these were the two years I introspected, evaluated myself and most importantly accepted myself that I am more than my Social Media profile, more than the likes and the reactions I get. However, I still turn back to social media to check on the likes whenever I post but I have realized to have a balance and now as I have accepted myself and also have been open to endless possibilities, I realize that it does not affect me anymore. It is imperative that we take time to look within, it is important to go for a walk alone and introspect, it is important to practice gratitude. I am still working on this every day by reminding myself to be optimistic, by reading, writing, honing my skills, interacting with my friends in person. Surrounding with everything positive which helps me to eliminate stress. It certainly helps. It helped me overcome my Insecurities I had in those two years. When I look back I marvel at my evolution.

Lastly sharing with you all some beautiful lines by Charlie Chaplin, I came across a few days ago.

“As I began to love myself, I freed myself of anything that is no

good for my health –food, people, things, situations, and

everything that drew me down and away from myself.

At first, I called this attitude a healthy egoism.

Today I know it is 'LOVE OF ONESELF'.”

This is the first time I have a shared personal anecdote on my blog. So please comment your views.

Thank you!

YJ Rahul Bagwe