Social Media Experiment

If you haven't heard/read anything about Essena O'Neill coming clean about how social media has affected her please check out her new website here. After you've watched the first few videos you'll have a better understanding of this post.

I am inspired by Essena's movement and her openness to admitting the truth about her insecurities, anxiety, and depression in her instagram photos, although she seems to be living the "dream life." After reading her *edited captions* on her instagram post, I was inspired to take a look at my instagram pictures and explain the stories behind the images.

This image was taken the summer I had returned from Thailand right after I'd just moved into my studio. I was super excited to explore my clothes and jewelries that had been boxed up for a year. I'd captioned it "Loving my long hair" which grew like Rapunzel's while I was in Thailand.

This image was taken the week after I had just gotten back from Thailand. I had missed curling my hair (I didn't have a curling iron in Thailand) so while I was babysitting my twin nephews (while they napped) I curled my hair and took a billion selfie. It was eventually captioned, "I hope someday you'll realize I was the one that got away." This caption was obviously toward my ex-boyfriend, who has no way of ever seeing this picture since my instagram is private, but nonetheless I had to put slap some depressing quote on it.

This makeup look was all for a youtube vlog -- otherwise I wouldn't have dolled up because the only thing I was going to be doing that day was -- drive 2 hours home for winter break. Had a hard time getting the right lighting for this picture. Of course sappy Taylor Swift lyrics for the caption -- hence the red lips & red beanie (trying to relate them??).

At this point in my life, I was a super health junkie who worked out everyday & counted calories.

It was good supersize & a good afternoon spent with my little brother.

This is the most fake smile I've ever put on! This picture was taken after I went out for a run to clear my mind off of some boy who was giving me mixed signals. It was just the beginning of my misery, little did I know at the time.

Wish I could go back and give this girl a HUGGG!

I was out tanning in good old Montana. I was in the best shape in my life this summer & this was the first time I've felt comfortable in a bathing suit. I am not a big fan of huge cleavages or big boobs...so I was happy with the way this picture turned out.

If I could go back in time, I would go give myself a big big hug and tell myself it will all be ok in... a few months. I was so heartbroken over a summer fling. NEVER AGAIN.

This was taken on a 15 min break from work...so beautiful.

"What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."

After returning home with a broken heart and broken self esteem, I had to doll up and take pretty pictures to prove a point.

Now looking back, I was just a broken girl and no guy will ever be allow to make me doubt my self worth ever again.

I encourage you all to look at your instagram pictures and reflect on them. Please share if you decide to take on this challenge.


xoxo,
Sia