Show your true self.

I am a frequent user of social media, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Pinterest. I have noticed that I curate what I post so that my accounts reflect positive events or funny moments or just good days.

I have always thought that being positive on social media was best, because it shared what was fun and happy, made others feel good, and didn't add stress or pain to anyone's day.

I believe that most of us do this. I do not believe that this is entirely good for us, however.

The intent of sharing the good is honorable. I believe we should celebrate it, for ourselves, and together. But I also believe that we should share the rest. The bad, the sad, the mad.

Acknowledge it. Own it. Share it. Find a way through it or past it or over it or under it.

Because we all edit and crop and curate on social media. We pick the moments where it is all working for us. We humble brag.

We all know that is not real. It is not life. Life is messy and that is okay. We should share the good moments, but we should also share the other moments.

If social media is to be a more true reflection of our lives, it needs to include those other moments. The rest of our lives, not just the best. If we pretend on social media that everything is good, when bad things happen, sad days come our way or there is just nothing exciting going on, we are likely less able to deal with those moments in the real world, as well as we could.

In doing so, we can become aware that we are not alone in those moments. That others have been there, or are there now. Together, we can recognize that that is just part of being human. Of being alive.

Perhaps if we share those moments too, we can find more compassion for ourselves, and for each other. Reach a hand down more often to help another back up. Be better.

Take a selfie. Do not edit it. Do not crop it. Do not use a filter. 

E-mail it to trueselfies@gmail.com.

Please include an explanation of what it represents. If you prefer to not include an explanation and let the photo speak for itself, I will respect that decision.

I will review all submissions to ensure that they do not contain images of pornography, violence, criminal activities or any other aspect that may be objectionable to me, in my sole discretion.

I reserve the right to reject any submission for any reason.

Short of the above, however, I will endeavor to publish all submissions, and thank you in advance for them.