On Instagram, I saw posts about #NoFilterDay. That got me thinking. Does this mean that a lot of people post pictures of themselves with filters, basically? I am not talking about the funny filters with dog tongues, cat ears, and distorted faces but filters that make them look “better” (whatever that means). I never paid attention to this until now because I don’t use such things myself. Is it because these people want to impress others by looking a certain way that they think will get them more followers, or don’t they simply like the way they look? When I think about our “selfie” society, where people focus on themselves and the importance of what they do and eat all day, this would make sense.
Don’t get me wrong; I am not judging it. It is non of my business. But it made me think further which is the actual reason for this post. Where does the use of “filters” begin? With the application of makeup? With the coloring of hair? With wearing fancy outfits, jewelry, and accessories? And what about the invisible filters, like hiding fears, (family)secrets, embarrassments, hiding one’s needs, hiding pain, hiding illnesses, apparent weaknesses, etc. And all this only to appear as those persons think they are accepted or respected. Or worse, they believe, they are expected to be that way. What kind of pressure must that be? Because it adds layer upon layer as they are used to hiding who they are. It’s a terrible misunderstanding that leads to losing oneself completely and only orienting oneself to the majority or certain people.
I can relate to this because I was caught in this spiral until I finally understood that it is the problem of those who don’t want me to be who I am. It is only when I deny myself that I make it my problem. So why should I carry the intolerance of others on my back? Yet it is ingrained in me to show strength even when I feel weak. But to some degree, I just am, and it has gotten me far. Therefore, it is not wrong to create oneself, because that is the seed that develops us. There is also nothing at all wrong with supporting your own sense of well-being with special clothing, makeup, hairstyles, or whatever. Not at all, it also reflects the inner self. We just have to make sure that it fits that inner self and not to prove something to others.
The use of filters in social media may seem a bit ridiculous, but it is probably rather harmless compared to suppressing one’s own personality. Or is it just an extended step of that? I don’t know, it’s just a thought.
It reminded me of the revue that my Ladies’ Formation, The Push Ups, and I performed 13 years ago. The revue was written especially for us. In addition to many songs that we sang together as part of the story, also each of us was able to choose a song that spoke to her personally. I chose the one below. It was the beginning of a conscious change in me. I began to break through one wall after another and find myself again to finally begin to become who I want to be. When I look at the lyrics again, I get goosebumps. I thought the song fits perfectly with the theme of the post.
In Love and Light
Share Your Light 
Filters apply to us from the very day we are born. While we’re young (and still living at home), our parents throw many filters at us. I remember my mother saying, ‘I want you to be a Doctor, Hugh, ‘ whereas my father had already lined me up for working at the Steelworks where he worked. At least my careers teacher asked me what I wanted to do, although, from my exam results, she’d also filtered the kind of jobs she thought I’d be best suited to. Life is full of filters, Erika. I’m happy we can decide on which ones to use when we become adults.
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That’s a good thought you added here, Hugh. Indeed, filters are choices the individual makes. I like how you pointed out mire kimds of filters that accompany us. In the end, they teach us so much, sometimes to break out of them.
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Some people want to see he real you, others want to see themselves in you.
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Wow! What a statement, Gary. You know that calls for a guest quote. May I quote you?
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