A Taste of Flava

The Pressure of Always Showing Up

Social media can be a beautiful thing.

It can connect people across the world.
Introduce us to new ideas.
Make us laugh.
Inspire us.
Encourage us.
And sometimes even help us feel less alone.

But social media can also quietly become exhausting.

Especially when people begin expecting constant access to you.

Lately my pain level has been through the roof.
It has affected every aspect of my life.

My sleep.
My walking.
My focus.
My energy.
Even my writing.

For the first time in a long time, I reposted older blogs because physically and mentally I did not have it in me to create new content.

And honestly?
That bothered me more than it probably should have because I made a commitment to myself to keep showing up.

But here is what I am learning:
Showing up does not always look the same every day.

Sometimes showing up means creating something brand new.
Sometimes showing up means resting.
Sometimes showing up means surviving the day quietly.
Sometimes showing up means reposting something meaningful from the past because your body is asking for mercy.

I recently wrote a review blog about a social media influencer whose content I absolutely love.

Then I saw a heartfelt post from her about people criticizing her for not posting enough or not showing up the way they wanted her to.

And I thought…
people forget creators are human beings.

We are not machines.
We are not content factories.
We are people trying to live life too.

Back when I was deeply involved in the indie music scene, I loved the excitement, energy, events, artists, networking, and movement.

But time changes people.

At 65+, I no longer want to live that lifestyle.
And honestly?
I really do not want to explain my why.

I still enjoy social media.
I still enjoy storytelling.
I still enjoy creating.

But I no longer chase social media the same way.

I limit my time.
I protect my peace.
I protect my energy.

I am not fighting for views.

I am creating a written legacy to leave behind for my children, my grandchildren, and maybe for some of you who find pieces of yourselves in my stories.

And if my words resonate with someone along the way…
that is enough for me.

The thing is…
we need to learn how to keep social media healthy.

Not every post is for you.
Not every creator owes you constant access.
Not every opinion needs to be typed out loud.

And if you feel the urge to go dark on someone online?

Maybe just scroll past.

There is no need to be rude to people simply because they are living differently than you expect them to.

Just kick rocks and keep it moving.

🌻

— Lady Flava