You know the Instagram I'm talking about. The one everyone wants. The one I want. The one splattered with breathtaking adventures and beautiful works of art and urban clothing and French presses. I have been told multiple times in the past couple months that I fall into the artsy Instagram category, and that's okay. I love taking pictures, I love food and travel photography, and I dream of doing it for a living one day. But a couple of weeks ago when meeting someone, they didn't walk away before mentioning, "Oh, and you have the best Instagram." I laughed, like I always do. But I responded differently this time. "Thanks, but there are so many things that are more important."
1. I'd rather be brave.
I'd rather be known as the girl who isn't afraid of hard things or hard people. Much more than being able to make my Instagram visually pleasing, I'd like to be known by my heart for difficult situations. I'd like to be known as the girl who doesn't get stopped in her tracks by fear.
2. I'd rather be confident.
I'd rather be known as someone that is not haunted by insecurities and not only comfortable behind the veil of social media. I want to be known as the girl who is confident enough to stand up for the things she believes in – and the people she believes in. When I weigh this against being able to position a coffee mug, it seems like a given.
3. I'd rather be strong.
More than being able to filter a picture of mountains on a rainy day, I'd rather be able to truly weather significant storms. I'd rather be someone who is known for how much they can handle, how gracefully they handle adversity, and how joyfully they carry on.
4. I'd rather be approachable.
This one might seem weird, but if you really think about it, it makes sense. You know that girl with the crazy awesome Instagram isn't someone you'd waltz right up to. You're intimidated by her coolness! I am too. I'd rather be the kind of person that anyone could come to if they need a friend.
5. I'd rather be generous.
I cannot think of any adventure more thrilling than giving all of my $5 of savings away. (JK) But seriously, have you ever paid for the person behind you and watched their reaction?! Do it tomorrow. I dare you. It's more exciting than any amount of Instagram likes will ever be.
6. I'd rather be real.
The main complaint I hear about Instagram is that it's fake – and I can't argue. We filter out our real life moments and simply post our highlight reel. I would rather be the person who shares the real stuff, whether its pretty or not. At the end of the day, I'd rather read about a real person than sit and covet the unrealistic life of someone who's just not showing all their cards.
7. I'd rather be a leader.
More than inspiring people to hit that follow button, I'd like to be someone who people can actually look up to. I'd much rather be the girl who people are comfortable following than the girl who simply has a lot of followers.
8. I'd rather be a good listener.
More than creating a million moments worth sharing, I'd rather be the person that people want to share with. When I'm thinking of the best friends I have, the first people that come to mind are the people who drop everything to hear me when all I need is to be heard. I'd rather be that kind of person.
9. I'd rather be present.
I can't count high enough to describe all the times that the pause button is pushed on moments so that people can get the perfect picture. I am guilty of this too, but I'm consciously working against it because I feel like something matters more – really being there. More than sharing every moment of the glorious adventure I'm experiencing on social media, I would rather just experience it. I would rather just be there, breathe it in, and live.
