Curiosity Over Judgment

2 min

I've had the photo above in my camera roll for some time now, but I hesitated whenever I considered posting it. There are many things I love about it. When I look at the photo, I'm immediately drawn to how it encapsulates a moment of genuine peace and contentment. The soft lighting and subtle smile on my face convey a sense of tranquility that I often strive to cultivate daily. In a world filled with hustle and bustle, this photo serves as a reminder of the importance of slowing down and finding moments of serenity amidst the chaos. However, one detail always gives me pause: the window. Its streaks detract from the overall aesthetic, making me reluctant to share the photo.

Recently, as I sat with this hesitation, I realized it stemmed from a fear of judgment. It wasn't simply about the window's appearance but rather what others might think of me for not having it perfectly clean. This reflection led me to consider the power we often surrender to others' opinions, especially in the highly curated realm of social media. We feel pressure to present flawless images, fearing any deviation from perfection will make us appear less put-together.

There have been countless instances where I've felt the pressure to present a flawless image on social media, whether carefully curating my feed to maintain a certain aesthetic or obsessing over the perfect filter to hide imperfections. It constantly balances authenticity and perception, with the fear of judgment lurking in the background. I remember not posting a photo of me and a close friend last fall because of a pimple on my right cheek. Despite knowing that imperfections are a natural part of being human, I couldn't shake the self-consciousness that crept in whenever I compared acned skin to the poreless images flooding my feed. It was a stark reminder of the unrealistic standards we often hold ourselves to in the age of social media.

Yet, in these moments, I'm learning to shift from judgment to curiosity, exploring the roots of my insecurity and extending gentleness and empathy to myself and others.

So, today, I'm choosing to engage with the photo differently. It represents my duality—moments of pristine orderliness and instances of delightful chaos, both inherent to being human.

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