Get Over Your Selfie!
By Kathleen A. Matchunis, B.A., M.S., CPC
Can we become any more self-obsessed? Can we just be in the moment, rather than photographing and recording ourselves? Must we pose? Can’t we just be ourselves? Don’t get me wrong, everyone who takes selfies is not self-obsessed. It just seems that nobody can just relax and enjoy themselves without documenting it for others. It’s as if that the event is not real unless it viewed by the public. Does the fact that there is a Kardashian book of selfies that some people will actually consider buying mean that we are headed for doom? I think not, but it is interesting to look beyond this social phenomenon.
What is the purpose of the selfie? Is it to show others of what we are doing? Is it to impress, show off, or make others jealous? If we really feel engaged, does it occur to us to take a selfie? It is common now not only for teenagers to do this, but for adults, as well.
Selfies can be fun, but I think we need the think about how present we are in our lives. The art of conversation is being lost in sea of texting, Facebook postings, Instagram, selfies. It’s really difficult to communicate with people when they are busy documenting their lives, rather than living their lives.
Can we take selfies and still be engaged with others? Of course! It is all about moderation! Selfies can capture special moments and posting on social media can help share special moments. Have you opened yourself up to the present? Are you living in the present tense? Are you tense about the present? Take time to look at people in the eyes. Notice body language. Connecting in this way adds so much to communication. Don’t throw away your present! My point is that there needs to be a balance between putting your life “out there” and actually living your life. Ask yourself which you are doing and take care of your “selfie”!
Original content by Kathleen Matchunis, B.A., M.S., CPC, Academic Life Coach & Tutor, educational consultant, Tel. 954 294 9708. For more information, check out www.connectinginc.net
