10 Things You Wouldn't Know About Me From My Social Media Appearance

We've heard it all before -

"Social media is just a highlight reel"

This is absolutely true. We all aim to post the best parts of our lives on social media. It's been drilled into us from the start to post the highlights of our lives, no matter how exciting or boring an individual's life is. But let's face it, nobody really knows what happens behind the screen. Private lives are private for a reason. We don't all choose to share what is really going on behind someone's Instagram profile photo. We all have different stuff going on in our lives. Some good, some bad, some in between good and bad. It's a matter of fact, not up for debate. 

I saw a post from one of my favourite content creators, Beth Sandland, sharing some things you wouldn't know about her from her social media appearances. It got me thinking about my life away from the screen. How much of my life do I keep away from social media? Surprisingly, quite a lot. Some things I've talked about on my blog already. But, for those who are more pro-social media rather than reading blogs, this was the perfect opportunity for me to share a little more of my life. A chance for my social media followers to get a better understanding of the stuff I keep out of the limelight. Then I thought, why not share those things on here too?!

Here are the 10 things you wouldn't know about me from my social media appearance:

1) I'm estranged from one of my parents.

I don't know if estranged is the right word. More like completely distanced. But yes, I haven't spoken to my father for 18 years now. Our relationship fell apart during my Mam and Dad's separation and subsequent divorce. 

Honestly though - I'm ok with that.

Who needs any kind of toxicity in their life? My philosophy has always been "As long as I've got my Mam, that's all that matters".

Read more about my experience of parental estrangement and how it's shaped me.

2) I have Cystic Fibrosis, and I'm also a diabetic - and that's a full-time job in itself.

Ok, for those who have been following my blog for the last however many years, will know I have a genetic condition called Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited genetic condition that affects all aspects of the body, particularly the lungs, digestive system, and sinuses. 

I'm also a diabetic. My type of diabetes is caused by Cystic Fibrosis, so I'm neither the typical type 1 nor type 2. 

Having a chronic condition like CF is pretty much a full-time job in itself. I feel like I'm fighting CF 25/8 rather than 24/7. As I take a lot of medication, do physiotherapy and attend hospital appointments, I need all of the available hours I can get to fight it!

You will gain a better understanding of CF by reading my CF-related blog posts. 

3) I have a small circle of friends who are like family to me.

I'm a firm believer in quality over quantity when it comes to friends. I don't need friends who are going to flit in and out of my life when it suits them. I'm very lucky that my friends are good eggs. They're kind, supportive, always cheerleading me on and love me for the sarcastic, blunt and savage person I am. 

My friends are like family to me - I'd do anything for them! I will always support them, encourage them and cheerlead them!

4) I'm a qualified teaching assistant - but I steered myself out of that career path.

I did enjoy some of my time working as a TA, but I always knew deep down this wasn't my destined career path. I trained in college, did work placements, and worked in schools and after-school clubs for years. Finally, I took the plunge in 2019 and got out of that job, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

5) I'm not scared of the prospect of not having children. 

Having children has never been my life's purpose. It's not a life goal, and I've never dreamed of being a mother. Don't get me wrong, I do get slightly broody when I see my friend's or cousin's kids as they're so adorable (slightly biased!). But I would rather be the cool, unrelated Aunty and gladly hand their kids back to them when I leave!

6) Liverpool is my happy place.

Oh Liverpool, a city that has a special place in my heart. I first visited Liverpool 9 years ago and instantly fell in love with the place, the scousers and of course, my favourite team in the world are there (the red side of Liverpool!). 

It's funny, but when I've solo-travelled to the city, I've made some of my biggest life decisions when I've walked around Albert Dock and Pier Head. It sounds strange, I know, but taking that moment for myself and processing my dilemmas somewhere that brings me joy allows me to rationalise my thoughts and clear my head.

7) I've had counselling on and off for years for my mental health

This is something that I would be ashamed to admit years ago. Now, with mental health being far less stigmatised than 20 or so years ago, it's easier to open up about this. 

Receiving counselling for my mental health has been a part of my life for the last 4 years or so has done me the world of good. I'm very fortunate that my Cystic Fibrosis clinic provides a psychologist, which is fantastic and mostly relieving. It's good that I'm one phone call away from speaking to a professional when my head is just not right. 

Admitting you need help is always the hardest step, but receiving it is the best feeling. 

8) Health anxiety has plagued my mind for years

Health anxiety has been one of the main reasons I've received counselling. I wouldn't wish health anxiety on anyone, not even my worst enemy. I've allowed myself to believe that I have had every deadly disease or disorder there is out there in the last few years. 

For example, if I get a new pain, unfamiliar bruise, ache or skin sensation, I automatically reach for my phone and use Google as my go-to doctor. But then I instantly go down that rabbit hole of searching for reassurance, when ultimately, I'm making things worse. I sometimes find it difficult to decipher if a new symptom is caused by anxiety, CF or something else. 

Read about my health anxiety story. 

9) I still live at home with my Mam

With the cost of living crisis and the impossibility of a single person getting a mortgage, living at home in my 30s is my only option. I'm lucky that my Mam and I get on well! I live pretty much an independent life despite living at home, and there's nothing wrong with that!

10) Some days I prefer my own company

Some days, I prefer to just not be around people! When I feel like that, I always prioritise self-care on these days. This allows me to recharge and reset for the next day and get back to my normal self. 

I'm a huge advocate for self-care and making time for it, whatever self-care looks like to you!

The moral of this post? Life isn't as perfect as it's deemed to be on social media.

Social media is a total highlight reel. We're not always going to share the good, bad and the ugly things that life brings us on there. However, I'm all for realism and reality. Life isn't perfect, and don't be afraid to let your followers know that. Most followers follow you for your reliability. I would rather share relatable content, as I know full well my life isn't perfect. My life is not as glamorous and enlightening as others, and I'm sort of ok with that. I'd just rather share what I love and what my followers would love, also!

Let me know your thoughts!