A couple of years ago, I was all in on my fitness goals. I was vocal and transparent about every step, sharing my progress, calorie intake, workout routines, and the dedication it took to reach my goals. I was proud of the work I was putting in and hoped to encourage others to go after their own ambitions. But then, I received a message from a friend that completely blindsided me.
She reached out on a random day to tell me she had to unfollow me. She said my posts were triggering her eating disorder and expressed anger over the content I was sharing. She told me that, as a petite person, my body was unattainable for the “normal-sized” woman and that I should be more mindful of the impact my posts had on others. Her message hurt. I hadn’t intended to make anyone feel bad about themselves; I just wanted to share my own journey and celebrate my progress.
I took her message to heart—too much, actually. Her words derailed my plans. I stopped sharing my fitness progress, stats, and photos entirely. It was as though I’d dimmed a part of myself out of fear of triggering or offending others. At the time, I felt like I was doing the “right” thing. But looking back, I see that I let someone else’s pain—and ultimately, their responsibility—dictate my actions.
Her feelings, though valid, weren’t mine to carry. I wish I’d realized that sooner.
What I’ve Learned Since Then
I understand that social media can be a complicated place when it comes to mental health, body image, and self-worth. I’m genuinely sympathetic to anyone struggling with those things. But I also realize now that we’re all responsible for curating what we consume online. I was sharing my truth and my journey, not setting out to harm anyone. My posts weren’t about comparison; they were about celebrating my hard work.
Today, I’m careful about what I share, but I no longer silence myself out of fear of others’ reactions. I’ve learned that I can’t—and shouldn’t—try to control how people interpret my posts. I think of that friend often and hope she’s doing well, and every time I post something related to food or fitness, I remember her message. But now, it’s from a place of compassion without self-censorship.
Finding Balance on Social Media
If there’s one takeaway from this experience, it’s that we have to find a balance. We’re allowed to celebrate our wins and share our journeys without guilt. At the same time, everyone is allowed to protect their peace, whether that means unfollowing or setting boundaries around what they engage with.
To anyone who has ever felt that tug of guilt for sharing your achievements—know that it’s okay to be proud. Your journey is yours, and it’s worth celebrating. We’re all responsible for our own boundaries, and the most we can do is be mindful without shrinking ourselves.
If you’ve ever felt hesitant to share something out of fear of others’ reactions, you’re not alone. Let’s support one another, and encourage each other to celebrate our victories—big or small.
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ALEJANDRA