SELFIE EXPOSED | BLAH, BLAH BLOG!
A few weeks ago while on the red carpet at the Billboard Music Awards, I got word that Natasha Bedingfield was making her way down. My internal reaction was “oh.” It was one of those “oh’s” that was sort of right in the middle. It wasn’t a negative reaction, it wasn’t positive. I’ve interviewed her before. She just wasn’t all that exciting the first time. But, I’m not one to quickly write someone off — especially with only one encounter under my belt.
As Natasha passed by me, I yelled out her name. I was quickly met with — “I gotta get inside.” Not one to necessarily take “no” for an answer — I fired back with “It’s just one fun question.” She approached. I didn’t make small talk — I went right in with the question. “What’s the secret to the perfect selfie?”
I felt like this whole infatuation with the “selfie” had become over-exposed. And, from a one dimensional point of view, it seemed a little narcissistic and done only for one to be selfie exposed. Just another oddity in pop culture. But, then I changed my lens — my view of it. The question I asked her wasn’t one of my own. It sits on a list of general questions that Us Weekly Magazine provides for an ongoing segment in the magazine. This list is a goldmine of questions for answers that the make tabloid magazines mega-bucks. And the list is just that; if you only look at those questions from one angle.
Natasha’s response to that question was simple. She told me — reach your arms up and angle it (smart phone) into the light. Once again, I thought “oh.” The answer was fine. It wasn’t anything brilliant. Well; actually it was. And this fool picked up on it several weeks later. That question and answer had nothing to do with a “selfie” in the picture form. It has to do with the actual person. The “self.”
My roommate — who finds opportunity for selfie everywhere — could probably have three picture books full of them by now.
In fact, one day when the toner in the printer at his workplace ran out; the company that provides it told him to send a photo of it. It was a selfie of Brian holding the toner. Anyway, he told me recently that I just don’t seem as happy as I once did. In fact, I’d been hearing it from a few people lately. It’s not that I’m unhappy. It’s just the aggravations of life seem to become the bigger, more noticeable picture. The happier self ends up still sitting in the dark room. You liking all the photo metaphors?
Natasha’s response now clicks. Perhaps if I just reach my arms up — realize I can’t control everything and angle myself into the light — that’s the better “selfie.” I’m not sure there is a “perfect” one; if you know what I mean. I do agree that we as human beings do need to be self-centered every now and again — just not for the selfish reason in which “self-centered” is associated. If we are going to shine to the world, offer up our talents and inspire others — we have to look within ourselves from time to time to make sure we’re getting better and stronger. Think of it as a self-induced check up — like the one you get from your doctor to make sure all is good within.
Take enough “selfies” and a few things start to become clearer. In looking at what’s behind you in the picture — you may need to change your background or start enjoying it more. Are you smiling in the “selfie?” If not- START! You see where I’m going with this. Snap enough “selfies” and sooner or later the people around you will start seeing you in that light that Natasha spoke of. Undoubtedly, so will you.
Let’s face it — pictures are still worth a thousand words. And when it comes to the “selfie;” it’s the the positive responses that help make us a bit more picture perfect to the rest of the world. Look for Natasha Bedingfield’s new album titled “The Next Chapter” due out soon. For now, listen to her song “Who Am I” featured in the Disney movie “The Pirate Fairy.” “Oh,” and for the record — I think Natasha is brilliant and will gladly interview her anytime!
