Don’t judge my selfie

2016 sucked. Between celebrity deaths and an unforgettable election cycle, it’s safe to say that the year was a wild ride. Even with the mishaps, we still had one thing going for us, the selfie.  After all of the mayhem of this year, it’s still stuck around. Which is probably why it won’t be going away anytime soon.

Taking selfies has become one of the most common pastimes for our generation. It’s pretty simple to do and apps like Snapchat and Instagram have made it even easier with the abundance of filters to choose from. If you’re more of a Snapchat fiend then maybe you prefer the always fitting dog filter. Or maybe you enjoy the floral crown because with the right lighting, you look like an ethereal goddess and it makes you feel amazing. If Instagram is more your style then you probably enjoy the vast amount of filters to pick from. Inkwell when you’re feeling moody and intellectual, Slumber for when you’re feeling artsy and retro. And then you have those days when you post a selfie with #nofilter because you #wokeuplikethis and damn, does it feel good.

Selfies also make for great group photos. Want everyone in your pic without having to ask someone else to take it for you? Take a selfie! Get in your pose and then take as many photos as your heart desires. Just be sure to do it on the phone with the most storage because getting the dreaded “storage full” message on an iPhone during the middle of a selfie session is the worst.

Not only can selfies be serious, they can be hilarious, too. Taking selfies isn’t always about having the perfect lighting or filter, sometimes it’s about living in the moment and having a good laugh later.

The great thing about selfies is if you don’t want to take one, then don’t. I’m not advocating for everyone to take more selfies. I’m writing this because contrary to popular belief, people who take selfies – women in particular, aren’t “attention seeking”. We’re not out here seeking the validation of men, to know what we already do – that we’re beautiful, inside and out. There’s nothing wrong with being a confident, badass woman who enjoys snapping a quick pic and then posting it on a social media platform for people to see. If guys rarely catch flack for posting gym selfies, women shouldn’t be shamed for enjoying them either.

You don’t have to ‘like’ my selfie. I’m not posting it for your validation, I’m posting it because I can and will. And if you can’t handle confident, self-assured people who enjoy taking selfies, maybe you’re the one who’s got some growing to do.

Love yourself and love your selfie.