11. Sharing On Social Media

At Heart On My Sleeve, we advocate for authenticity as a core value—which means being real about how you feel and owning your story. But in a world where social media often rewards curated, filtered versions of ourselves, authenticity can be a bold and vulnerable act.

When you share your story—especially online—it’s important to stay connected to who you really are, not just the version of you that seems “likeable” or impressive to others.

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You Are More Than a Single Identity

We often see people shape a persona around one role or experience. While this might feel empowering at first, it can also become limiting. Remember:

• You are not just a survivor.
• You are not just a parent.
• You are not just a professional, a creator, or a cause.

You are a tapestry of identities—made up of your hobbies, relationships, beliefs, history, and dreams. As you share your story, consider how you can reflect more of your full self, not just one part of your experience.

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Be Cautious With Self-Branding

It’s easy to unintentionally create a “brand” around your trauma, your recovery, or your role in the world. This can be affirming—but it can also box you in.

Ask yourself:

• Is this version of me online reflective of the full, real me?
• Am I sharing from truth, or from expectation?
• Have I started performing my story instead of living it?

If you notice a disconnect, it’s okay to shift. Your story can evolve. So can your identity.

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Set Digital Boundaries

Social media is your space—an extension of your body, energy, and emotional world. You have every right to protect it.

Here are some permission slips you can give yourself:

• It’s okay to delete, block, or report anyone who crosses your boundaries.
• It’s okay to restrict your audience—through privacy settings or by choosing who you share with.
• It’s okay to disengage from comments or messages that drain your energy or push your limits.
• It’s okay to come back later—or not at all.
• It’s okay to disagree silently—you don’t owe a response to every opinion.

Boundaries online matter just as much as they do in real life.

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Your Story, Your Pace, Your Control

Remember: you get to choose what, when, where, and how you share. Some seasons may call for openness. Others may call for privacy.

What matters most is that you stay anchored in your truth, not in the expectations of others—or in the false sense of self that can arise from needing to be “on” all the time.

Authenticity isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment. Let your public story reflect your private reality—and protect both with compassion.