Not everyone likes you. Let's face it, you don't like everyone either. And that is okay. Some people wear crocs and consider these plastic atrocities fashion-footwear whereas others, like myself, see them as a fashion faux-pas. I am in no means a fashion icon - let alone a trend setter or follower. Do I have friends who like cros? Yes, a few. Do I let the wear them whilst with me? Yes, as long as we aren't in "public." In all seriousness though, we are all different. We all have different likes, interests, hobbies, tastes, styles etc - and this makes the world so fascinating.
A year and a half ago I went "live" on a social media platform after encouragement from my nieces. Me. A proud gen-xer who doesn't even care for taking selfies. I went "live" in early 2025. As someone who almost never wears makeup and should likely throw out the few items I have as they expired pre-2008, I wasn't interested in doing my hair or getting prettied up - although I did put on lipstick and brushed my hair to at least look like I made an effort.
When I was a teen I was encouraged to keep it natural. After all, my mom would tell me, you want to look the same going to bed as when you wake up. Sound advice. I thought the same about social media. Should I, in the rare incident, bump into someone who was in my community, I wanted to look relatively the same. I didn't want to look like an altered picture of myself like people do on their online dating profiles and then when they meet their date they are often disappointed. Sorry Barb, you don't really look like your glamour shots!
Often times, especially lately, I'm not feeling the cutest. My skin is breaking out. My hair hasn't been as awesome as it could be. Perhaps I feel this way because of the changing cooler weather; it's grey and rainy most days and as a result I am left feeling "blah." Despite the lack of good hair days, I have continued to consistently show up. I noticed that trolls are becoming fewer. Rude comments are very rare and when they do show, I greet them with the quick witted humour gen-xers are known for. Am I hurt? Honestly, no not at all. I have learned not to take anything personally. Not everyone is going to like me or my content, and that is okay.
I understand that some people are just plain mean - it has nothing to do with me. As the saying goes, hurt people hurt people. It's a sad reality. And lately, with the rise in social media more and more people are feeling both closer to others - and further away. I'm sure in twenty years we will study the long-term impacts on-line relationships have on our psyche. But for now, many of us find comfort knowing that no matter the time of day we can go online and watch our favourite creators rant about their favourite chocolate company altering the ingredients and package sizes. Again.
There is a lot of good to be found in the online realm. As an eternal optimist, I believe that even online we have a way of finding our tribe. So many people have, and continued to support me and what I do. I know that had I not taken the leap and put myself out there back in March of 2025, I would have not have connected with such awesome people. I can't even fathom the amount of naked walls there would be out there without my art to grace them. Forget about those drinking coffee out of an ugly mug! I gasp at the thought.
I share this with you as a reminder that even on the days you are feeling less-than-yourself, even when you slept terribly and have bags under your eyes, that it's not only important to show up for others - but also for yourself. If I had made excuses or re-watched posts before posting them I would have found so many reasons not to share my random thoughts or newest artwork. This isn't to say I don't have dozens of drafts on my phone that haven't seen -and likely won't - the light of day. But it's okay.
No longer do I strive for perfection. Perfection doesn't exist. I don't want to be perfect. I just want to continue being myself. I appreciate all of you who watch my videos, join me on live and support me - even on the days I don't have lipstick or brush my hair.
-Julie
0 comments