Sandwich Girl Reveals Feelings Through #myunfilteredlife
It’s always a worry before you launch a campaign no matter how well thought through and tested it is….Will it hit the mark? Will it gather energy and momentum? Will it get a reaction? Will it touch people and get them talking?
I had all of these thoughts and many more before @seemescotland launched our #myunfilteredlife campaign earlier this week.
But I needn’t have worried so much. This campaign has already done everything and much more than I’d hoped for. It has succeeded in getting people from all walks of life to share pictures and stories they never normally would and supporting each other — even those they have never met before. I am in awe of the people who have opened up about their #myunfilteredlife with posts that are honest, raw and moving. They touch the heart and have reached out to others in a way that I’m sure they couldn’t have hoped for when they started offloading.
Sometimes social media gets a real bashing. People are accused of being tied to their phones instead of talking to each other face to face. But when social media is used well, it is a fantastic way for those of us who are feeling isolated and living through the ‘hide under the duvet’ days to stay connected.
As one person said if; by doing this I help one other person it is all worthwhile.
But what about me — and #myunfilteredlife ? I have shared a few snippets of my world since the campaign started. I have been moved to tears, smiled and felt a lot of relief and warmth bursting out from the pages from everyone who has posted. I am no longer alone and I hope those who have shared their stories and scrolled through the posts have found at least one that they can really connect with.
Today — and for the next wee while — I am the ‘sandwich girl’. I’m at the stage in life where I am caring for ageing parents, trying desperately to support a daughter who struggles from time to time with her mental health — whilst being a good wife and Mama to our adorable 4 year old grandson. Oh yes and in between times, I’m thinking about a close friend who is living with cancer and trying to do a good job for See Me!
Some days, it all gets too much…and I feel that I am drowning…but this morning when I got up and looked at some of the posts on #myunfilteredlife I am really proud to be part of this campaign and I want to give everyone involved a great big virtual hug.
Together we are making a difference and if more people speak out, eventually we will end the stigma associated with mental health. So keep talking and sharing your stories. If you haven’t shared your #myunfilteredlife yet, think about doing it today. And if it’s too big a leap today just look through some of the amazing posts and get some inspiration and comfort knowing that you are not alone if you are struggling.
