Tik Tok changed my life in the best and worst ways

My first Lemon8 post is about something that played a huge role in shaping my reality for 3 years: Tik Tok. I know a lot of people simply hate the app but I truly have a love-hate relationship with it. My journey with TT is very much woven into my personal life so I feel it’s necessary to share all the details leading up the my choice to retire. Consider this an introduction to me 🍋. I’m being vulnerable; so please be respectful and understanding in your comments. Here is my story:

Part 1️⃣: HOW I GOT HERE

2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣9️⃣: It’s freshmen year of college , fall semester and I’m becoming a new person. When starting any new journey, you can step into a new version of yourself. I did exactly that: I introduced myself to as many people as I could on campus, cared less about overachieving, made new friends, and literally started a new Instagram with a new identity.

However - Even when we start a new chapter in our lives, some things just follow us. For me, it was my toxic bad luck ex from my hometown. She was my first real relationship so I was wrapped into a toxic mess before I even realized the trouble I was in. BUT on a positive note shortly before leaving home for colllege, I just started tapping into my own sense of spirituality.

2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣: Let’s pick up at spring semester of freshman year. I started feeling more comfortable on campus and building friendships. I was honestly having the time of my life until I allowed my ex back into my life. We travelled for spring break and came back to a COVID lockdown. My freshman year of college vanished before my eyes and I was back home after already being exposed to the taste of freedom. I coped by leaving my parents house and quarantining with my ex who didn’t have a stable place (not very demure, not very mindful).

I’m a homebody and my space directly affects my mental health so it wasn’t long before I went back home. Throughout Summer 2020 I worked virtually at a call center. I also got more interested into what would be considered “new age” spirituality and started doing a ton of research on crystals, astrology, etc. Note that I wasn’t just interested in the superficial aspect of manifestation; I was seeking solace in spirituality as a way to heal from childhood trauma as well as find meaning and purpose in my life.

The year prior, I got into meditation and crystals. No matter what others believed, my crystals helped me through my anxiety/depression - even if it was from second hand self-empowerment. That led me to start a business where I put tumbled crystals in cages to wear as a necklace. I started posting on Facebook, educating people on the different healing properties of the crystals. I loved sharing this new way of thinking with others AND I loved being an entrepreneur. This was only the beginning for me.

Fall 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣0️⃣: I’ll continue my story in a new post titled pt. 2

whoever is reading this, I appreciate you for being here. I feel like personal development as a creator/artist/influencer is always misunderstood and hope my transparency on this app encourage others to acknowledge their journey

#vulnerability #socialmediadetox #storytime #contentcreator #tiktoker #personalgrowthjourney #collegeadvice