11 Years on Instagram: Four Lessons for a More Peaceful Experience
I’ve been on Instagram for 11 years, and in that time, I’ve learned a lot about myself, the platform, and how to navigate it with less stress and more peace. In this episode, I’m sharing four lessons to help you use the app in a way that feels aligned and supportive for your life.
My first post on Instagram is from January 29, 2011. It’s a close-up of a mini vision board on a divider of my tiny binder-style planner that I used at the time. There’s an old filter on it and the caption reads “Filofax inspiration.” There’s one like and one comment.
Things were different back in 2011. This was before I traveled the world. Before I had children. Before so much, really. But I had real struggles back then and the tiny corner of the internet where I spent my time became a place that felt like home.
Four Lessons I've Learned from 11 Years on Instagram
1. The way you feel matters
If scrolling makes you feel sad, jealous, unworthy, or competitive, give yourself permission to change the channel. Curate your experience. Unfollow (or mute) accounts that don’t serve you, and seek out those that inspire, uplift, educate, and encourage. Let your feed evolve as you do.
2. It’s good to take breaks
If you’re ever feeling drained by the endless scroll, that’s your cue to press pause. Take time away to rest and recharge. Stepping off the app and into your life will bring a fresh sense of connection. You’ll come back with new energy, creativity, and perspective.
3. You exist beyond this app
Your worth isn’t tied to your Instagram account. Likes, comments, and followers don’t define you. If you start to feel your identity getting wrapped up in this space, ground yourself in the present moment. Connect to all the parts of you and remember that you’re so much more than some pixels on a screen.
4. There is magic here (and there).
Instagram, like life, holds magic—when you choose to see it. There are kindred spirits, serendipitous connections, aligned clients, and supportive communities to be found. It’s a place of inspiration, beauty, and truth. Trust that magic is all around, both here and beyond this app.
