Ugh. I hate this topic. I actually avoided writing last night (Friday, when I usually write), so I could sleep on it and dream what I’d write. (Yes, ever since my college days, I write best when I sleep on it.) For some, this topic is unrelatable; for others they could be finding themselves in the exact same place. The topic is the little squares called Instagram. Do they rule your life? Or have you started to say NO?
For my beautiful crystal bars, go to Shop Lustre and Zoko Jewelry!
Here’s some history: I’ve been on Instagram right after it started back in January, 2011. According to this fact and according to the hashtag theories of growth, I should have a massive following. I’ve been posting my #ootd (outfit of the day) since an #ootd was an actual thing. Oh, I got so creative too with lots of crazy saturation and obscure collages (I still have this gold and black sequin mini skirt!). It was so fun! I also got super into nail art and based my nails on what I’d where the next day. I was living in Beijing, we’d have a fire each night, and I’d sit at the coffee table chatting with the family or friends and paint my nails. My hair was crazy long and super pretty and my waist was completely enviable when I look back at my start. (I don’t own that suit anymore as I don’t own that waist either!)
It’s quite fun to go alllll the way back to the beginning of my feed. At one point some instagram advice came in to delete irrelevant pictures–meaning those that didn’t relate to my so called niche. I did that….luckily I do have them all saved on my computer. Yet, what is my niche? When I scroll all the way through from now to Jan of 2011, I was able to pick up on a few themes: my style, the sea–always! the books I’m reading, and a highlight of beauty products or accessories here and there. My feed when I scrolled all the way through is quite pleasing…. I mean according to all the Instagram advice, tips, tricks, consultants, courses, etc, I should be doing great. But, alas, I never have “made it” on Instagram, and at this point, I’m betting I never will.
And exactly what is “making it” on Instagram? Well, for one it boils down to numbers, which I don’t really have. (I’ve been at 3K for over three years now.) It also involves community, which I am grateful for what I do have, but I haven’t been able to create a strong community–I’m sorry if you follow and think otherwise. I have met some really great and very supportive women, and perhaps I should start celebrating them more…. Yet, at this point I’m seriously considering giving up on the little squares called Instagram. There’s a movement going these days regarding wellbeing: do that which brings joy. My blog definitely brings me join. I love writing on Kremb de la Kremb. Instagram on the other hand brings me a comparison trap–and not even really that, but more of a frustration. I constantly think, Why can’t I gain it? Why can’t I grow? “It” being followers, community, interaction, growth! I can’t grow on the Instagram platform. I’ve tried, and it doesn’t go anywhere. If I were a child, my parent would say, Quit trying so hard. Right? So, lately, it’s not that I’ve given up, it’s that I just don’t care about Instagram anymore. I want to go towards joy. I must. That’s what makes me happy.
Imitation is the best form of flattery right? I got this idea from Instagram powerhouse Tezza.
Like I said, if you aren’t on Instagram (Jude, I’m talking to you. You are wise. Stay that way!), this post is irrelevant. But if you are on Instagram, do you even follow me? Do you interact there? Do you enjoy Instagram? Or like me, are you just about done with it?
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