I’ve been on the internet for quite some time now… The first social media profile I ever had was either a myspace or AIM (AOL instant messenger – this isn’t even a thing anymore). I remember when you had to have someone in your network verify you were a real person to make a facebook. Times have definitely changed since the introduction of social media.
Over the many internet accounts I’ve had none of them amounted to a large following. It always felt like I was talking into the void. Like I posted and no one really cared what I had to say.
I believed the lie that no one wanted to listen to what I had to offer. A lie without a sliver of truth. I have a voice. You have a voice. A voice this world needs. I only had one problem…
I didn’t know how to tell my story in a way that connects with others. When I created my “professional” instagram in October of 2017, I had no idea what I was doing. I knew I wanted to network with other dietitians and dietitians-to-be’s. I originally thought I wanted to work with companies to promote their message and mine.
Well, that happened. Kinda…
I followed people. People followed me. But I didn’t feel anymore connected. And where were the companies that wanted me to promote their products?
I thought I missed something. No one told me about the work that goes in behind the scenes. Taking the picture (or video) writing the caption, choosing the appropriate hashtags (this is a job all by itself…), choosing the right times to post for peak engagement. Learning algorithms that change with no real warning.
Someone could have taught me all of these things, but they would have missed the most important piece: how to create community.
This one has taken me some time to really figure out. It’s not enough to post. Millions of people do that. Post and ghost. It’s imperative that you engage with the people who like your content. Personally, I put more effort in the caption than into the photo. But I’m also not trying to sell overly-stylized food. I feel there’s enough accounts that do that. My goal is to show real meals, and how they came to be. #Relatable.
I’ve always heard you have to be a friend to make a friend. That is certainly true on the ‘gram. Leaving impersonal comments doesn’t really get the job done. Liking all their content without saying anything doesn’t cut it either.
In the past four months, I’ve found that leaving comments about something they said in their caption, a memory that was triggered, or tagging them in something I’ve created that reminds me of them creates lasting impressions.
Now I don’t want you thinking I’m in this for the likes. Likes don’t tell me anything. I can scroll and double-tap without even meaning it. The number of followers I have doesn’t really tell me that much either, especially if they’re not engaging with the work I’m producing.
The Why
I enjoying creating “content.” (I really don’t like calling it content, that sounds like I’m making arbitrary pictures for the sake of having something for people to like… a post for another day…) I enjoy getting share what I’m eating and why I chose to eat it if it inspires someone else. I love getting to connect with others over our mutual love of chickpeas.
I’ve loved getting to connect with other dietetic interns across the country (and around the world) and bond over how we’re feeling during this leg of our journey. I’ve enjoyed getting to network with RDs and RD2Be’s that I will have the opportunities to work with in the years to come. I love learning from others in the field. From career paths I’ve never seen myself in, but are very necessary.
I’m so glad I took the leap. I’m glad I didn’t wait until I was “ready.” When I started I had an idea of what I wanted to talk about, but I didn’t know what that would look like each day. I honestly didn’t think my voice mattered for the topic I’m really passionate about. But I’ve learned that’s just not true. The great thing about the internet is there’s room for everyone. There’s always a seat available. And if there isn’t. Make one.
I’ve learned that my voice matters. The people I speak to every day, they listen. Something that we the content creator says, resonates with them. It impacts their day. Sometimes their life.
I have created my own space within the community. Someone who eats vegan food without rules and regulations, because food was meant to be enjoyed. I get to share my journey to food freedom in hopes that others can find their own freedom.
So don’t be afraid to start that thing you’ve been meaning to do. That thing that once you’re “ready” you’ll dive in. I can promise you. You’re never really ready. There’s always more to be learned, so just start. That’s the hardest part.
There’s someone waiting for your story to be told. Don’t let someone else tell it for you.
Today is the best day to change your life!
