Last week, a gorgeous friend of mine, Lulu Adams, who is a fitness instructor and all-round beautiful soul, wrote this post on social media. It really rang a bell with me and with her permission, I’m reposting it here. I think too many Bloggers spend too much time trying to appear “perfect” to their readers, when instead they should be recognising they’re in a position of responsibility. We would love to hear your thoughts on this too! Find out more about Lulu on her new blog here.
There’s been a lot of chatter in the press recently about wellness bloggers admitting the life they project on social media is not quite as true as we may think. Now, I’m totally in support of these girls coming forward, raising their hand and admitting they are struggling with various issues including eating disorders, but I can’t help but feel that rather than JUST rallying round them and giving them the love they need and desire, we need to FOCUS on the powers of social media – and in fact send a strong and powerful message to anyone in a position of responsibility (ie those who young or impressionable people might look up to – so models, personal trainers, food bloggers etc) to send a TRUE message to followers.
- Stop painting a picture that every single day of your life is perfect.
- Stop plastering on make up before your work out and posting selfies claiming to look that hot “post-work out” (it’s bad for your skin to be sweating in that much foundation anyway – I should know, I’ve learnt the hard way!).
- Stop claiming you’re “blessed” every morning as you sip your freshly pressed green juice
- START talking about the struggles you have gone through to get where you are – it makes a much more interesting and inspiring story and in what is becoming a VERY saturated (and dare I say it, slightly yawn-inducing at times) market – it MIGHT just set you apart from every other perfectly groomed, green juice swigging, 24-7 smiling fitness buff out there.
Yes you want to inspire people – but you need to be realistic in the aspirations you are setting for people, youngsters especially. The fitness/wellness industry is incredibly powerful in helping people to turn their lives around, but there is a fine line and you could be encouraging ‘unhealthy’ habits in some searching for ‘unobtainable’ results.
Please THINK before you post. We’ve seen enough avocados on Instagram now – so think, and be different – It’s cool to be different. Embrace your inner geek and STAY TRUE.

Lulu Adams (Photo credit Jason Swain)
5 Comments
Emma @ Adventures of a London Kiwi
August 24, 2015 at 6:55 pmWe need to empower ourselves to not show an idealised face to the world – you are absolutely spot on!
JJ Miller
August 25, 2015 at 2:18 pmThank you – and totally agree! I think there is power in imperfection. We all have our faults. It’s time to embrace them!
Adventures of a Novice Mum
August 24, 2015 at 7:58 pmIt’s important to keep it real, isn’t it. No one’s life is perfect and it’s so much easier to just be ‘you’. Of course, it doesn’t mean we should fill our pages with depressing things about our lives, but we sure don’t have to make it look glossy when it isn’t.
Thanks for sharing these important reminder to stay away from portraying a perfection that doesn’t exist. 🙂 #Facebook
JJ Miller
August 25, 2015 at 2:18 pm100% agree! x
Natasha
September 3, 2015 at 3:55 pmGreat short and to the point. We aren’t perfect and depression is enhanced by unrealistic expectations of comparing our lives with others. I certainly put in a bit about my struggles, life isn’t easy. It’s good to be reminding people find comfort in the grit of real life, real dirt, sweat and tears. Thanks for sharing.