I’ve been spending time with God everyday.
In these quality “quiet times” that I’ve been reading God’s word and then journaling and praying about what I’ve read, I’ve been getting more clarity about several areas of my life, but specifically my use of Instagram.
instagram is my “it” platform.
I didn’t know that WhatsApp is considered a social media platform. It probably doesn’t feel that way because I only use it for work, which is why I can say I that Instagram is the only social media platform I spend time using. And by using, I mean abusing…
Though I have timers and restrictions and a whole bunch of things I wanna do and all the rest I want to experience, I oftentimes end up losing so much time staring into my phone and watching other people live their lives.
It’s not all bad though. Especially since I’ve simplified my use of the app.
regina + instagram
My struggles are probably like many of yours. Taking the time to identify my issues with Instagram was at the root of my challenges with using the platform. I really, really like the idea of Instagram even though there are so many things I could do without. And since I’m making my peace with this platform we’re not gonna go into all of those frustrations because at the end of the day it’s a free app and I have agency over how I use the time I have.
What I like about Instagram is that it can feel like a personal diary or scrapbook. And with all of the features built into it (and many being added regularly) it is a tool or skill to learn. I enjoy sharing snippets of my daily life, with scriptures and outfits and of course, funny memes. I also like how I can find out about a vendor, person or group through what they choose to share on Instagram. It helps me decide if I’m curious about them and want to learn more or if it’s not a great fit for me.
To me, Instagram is a lot like reading books or watching movies. I don’t expect everything to be complete and detailed. Nor do I expect people to share 100% (or even 20%) of their lives with me. I don’t share that much with folks on social media - readers get more of me here - and I don’t expect that of others. Which frees me to take most of what is shared at face value.
While the algorithm gets a bad reputation, I like how it sends me trends of what I seem to be interested in. Which has been a great indicator of when I’m spending too much time on the app and not enough time getting quiet with God and seeking after His heart. If I am feeling down and sad after spending time on Instagram, I recognize that it’s likely to do with the accounts I’m following and what I’m searching there.
regina vs. instagram
Where I’ve been struggling with Instagram is believing that I don’t have anything to offer.
I’ve gotten stuck looking at other people’s more seemingly “successful” accounts and thinking I want what they have: confidence, clarity and community. And I do want those things, but my misstep is in believing that I need to be, post and show up like them. I’ve taken a few Instagram courses - most free, a few not so free - and the ones that have helped me the most are the ones reminded me to be myself.
This is difficult when you’re unsure of exactly who that is.
As I’m reconnecting with God and who He says I am, I’m getting more straight backed about boldly sharing my faith - in real life and on social media. And not just my faith, but my hobbies, health + wellness wins and little things about my home. I have often folks with big follower numbers on Instagram as something to aspire to. For a long time, I wanted to hit that 10K follower mark so that I could get the little blue check next to my name telling me that I’m verified. (That was a real thing and sadly, a real problem for me.)
Most of the issues I’ve had with being authentic on Instagram has stemmed from fear. Which has kept me from having the right heart when using the app.
what I want social media to be
When I see so much ick and junk on Instagram, I get disillusioned and forget that there is a lot of good and love in the world. So rather than focusing on what’s difficult or unenjoyable about life, what’s being posted and how people use what you post against you, Instagram is one of the places where I want to be a someone who serves and gives and encourages.
I want to share Bible verses that are softening my heart.
I want to connect with other bookstack builders and readers who just get it.
I want to encourage the grieving and inspire the people pleaser.
I want to cheer the busiest body to slow down and rest.
I want to teach the terrified how to take a solo retreat (and many more after their first).
to niche or not to niche
I used to believe that to grow and build your social media platform, you need to “niche down” and focus on only one or two things to share. The idea was that you would lean into an idea and build your brand and image on that thing. Fortunately, a wise woman and a retreat coach helped me realize that this might be my problem with showing up on Instagram (or quite frankly, anywhere). I was trying to hide what I’d been through, what I’ve learned and who I’ve become to fit in. And the truth of the matter is that I’m multi-faceted as a creation of God. I’m not good at or only interested in one thing - I am more.
Each of us is.
So I’m ignoring this advice.
One way I’m ignoring this piece of advice is helping me enjoy social media more is because the other accounts I started (one for posts to share about exploring Washington and another to post about all things books) to be really specific in those areas - I have now deleted. Not deactivated while I make up my mind - they are gone. Managing three Instagram accounts was stressing me out. Who was I kidding?!? I was barely showing up how I wanted to on one account, how was I going to do it with three.
In my battle to decide if God was inviting me to delete my Instagram account, I prayed and learned that this wasn’t actually what I was hearing. What I was actually hearing was an invitation to be a good steward of the social media account just like I’m to be a good steward of my body and health, this new home and the resources I’m blessed with. To my friends who have been listening to me waffle about leaving Instagram or staying on Instagram for many many moons - thank you for your listening ears. I’m going to stick around and enjoy it in a healthy way.
Especially as long as it doesn’t interfere with me showing up in my life offline. I want to be fully present with the people God puts before me and in completing the tasks and responsibilities assigned to me. I don’t ever want someone to meet me in real life (or IRL as we say on the social medias) and be disappointed because the online me is better than the real me.
This change in my attitude toward Instagram and social media has been so healing for me.
To get to this point in my life where I can rest in knowing that all the things I thought were important aren’t what I’d been making them into. I can sit at this computer and type freely knowing that the depth and desires of my heart were never intended to fit into my grid and represent all of who I am. It’s been a silly but real liberation of sorts. If you struggle with what to share on social media or often feel disenfranchised about being on the various platforms, consider pulling back for a few days and thinking about why you want to be there and what you might enjoy giving to others. Ultimately, I think it’s best to pray and get God to weigh in about it because He’ll be the one who brings you to the highs and sustains you through the lows. I’m counting on it…
After changing my profile bio 762 times in the last six months, I’ve landed on the following:
I’m excited to play and post there as an enhancement to what I write and share here, so hopefully, you’ll find me there (@regina.sather) and say hello.
Until next week.
Be sure you prioritize some time to rest!