I’m not one to write sentimental, nostalgic and self-indulgent retrospective pieces about the year I’ve had. Sure, I can make a flipagram with some crescendo-filled techno-pop music with images of me and my frands drinking and whatnot. I could also write a really long like-bait status on Facebook along the lines of this:
“2013 has been a big year for me. I traveled to Europe, I graduated university, I met some great people, I started improvisation and loved it, I ran a lot, I got an awesome internship, I pissed everyone off with this entire paragraph of “I did this, I did that”… I’m so thankful for my family, and I’m so #blessed for a truly hard but rewarding year. X”
Because, let’s be real. It’s easy to list everything you’ve done this year and turn it into some huge war you fought and conquered, it’s great to count up all the countries you’ve been to and list them for everyone to see – leaving out the part where your parents paid for your entire vacation. Surviving your first year of uni shouldn’t be so challenging and strenuous that you had to make an inspirational status about it.
My favorite thing is authenticity. It’s why I love comedy and writing. I love truthful moments and honesty, and people who aren’t afraid to admit they screwed up, or that life is just plain boring for them right now. Social media – while I adore it – started as a form of communication, morphing into a medium for excessive validation, and now it’s just a chance to make people feel like their missing out, or making people feel inadequate. Next time you think about posting that hyperbolic status… take a moment and maybe, just don’t.
So, have a wonderful 2014 to all those people who resisted from bragging because they knew they didn’t need to. I wish all my readers and followers happiness and health in the years to come.
Cheers to 2014, and may your social media feeds be less flooded with annoying things.
Ps. To future employers who are reading this: thanks! Also, I love social media and I’m fascinated by how it works – this article sums that up, despite my annoyances with it. I understand how people use it, how people react to it, and how to win from it. Happy holidays, and if you ever hire me, I’ll be the office baker lady bringing in yummy things all the time… if you want.