3.17.21 // following someone on social media

When you follow someone on Instagram you are watching them evolve over time.
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Not just their current existence, but their journey in life because this channel isn't static.
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Perhaps when you come across a new person to follow it is a specific point, a moment in their life, a snapshot that appeals to you... but ultimately, they are so much more than that one picture and the words that made up their being for that moment.
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For instance, I never would have posted this picture a year ago. I would have talked myself out of it because my body wasn't perfect and I feared the comments the photo would receive. I would have assumed it was too sexual when it actually just feels confident. I would have confused sexualization with confidence in a photo where I'm more covered than a photo of me in a bikini. I would have worried what my female followers would think...
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But I'm a long way from the person who wouldn't have posted it. Maybe it's more confidence, maybe it's realizing that I want to lead by example not just in words but to share content that makes me (and you) feel confident, maybe it's because of comments like this, "The seemingly unassuming narcissistic photos you post of yourself eat away your plan on words. Unfollow" are not uncommon and this is my way of giving a middle finger?
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You are allowed to opt-in and opt-out at any point though. There are no hard and fast rules on following.
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If you are uncomfortable or find the journey no longer suits you then you can change your mind in the same way that the people you follow can and will change.
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I saw a great quote the other day, "It's your story, go ahead and hit them with a plot twist anytime you want."
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As my narrative unfolds I can tell you already that my plot twists are numerous. Whether you want to keep reading is up to you.