By Eric Noel Roman

Double tap that pic, make sure to follow, and subscribe to see everything I post. So much effort is put into following others, and I am guilty of social media woes, but who isn’t? Yes, I follow some entertainers, athletes, and companies, however, I could not tell you their levels of influence or fame. I also prefer to focus my social media attention on people I know and care about.

There are several influencers out there in the world trying to sway your ways of thinking or change your habits. As these images of grandeur and happiness bombard your screen, eventually, you begin to believe the path to happiness is to be just like the people you follow. You find yourself mimicking the actions of these people. Putting others on pedestals is something that I have worked hard to avoid. 

If you approached me and began to talk about social media posts or top influencers in the field, I would not be able to give you an answer or comment. Instead of living through the pictures of others, I learned how to become my own influencer. Instead of double tapping the picture, I began to experience the actual portrait. I never let an LCD screen make others more important than me.

I am my own catchphrase, and you can be too. Put down your electronic devices and put yourself on that pedestal. You are responsible for all the greatness in your life.