I’m not much of an Instagram person. Although I have a few pictures and a latent addiction to reels of chefs cooking and dogs (because…dogs), my feed bores me relatively quickly, and the last time I posted was 2020. The shiny exterior of supermodels, travelers, and influencers rarely manages to hold my attention. However, there are a few accounts that have caught my eye, and I would like to share.
Amplifying voices and experiences: @at.thebeep
Philip Ward, a self-described blend of engineer and artist, embarked on a project known as @at.thebeep This Instagram account, coupled with a podcast, originated during his college years. Ward’s mission is clear: to showcase the intricacies of the human experience and condition. In a world where perfection is often flaunted, his account dives into the raw, unfiltered aspects of life. He created a number where his followers (over 80 000 today) can leave a voicemail, saying whatever is on their mind. Some tell stories, others leave messages to their loved or lost ones. Some of these voicemails are heartbreaking, as most evoke topics both deeply personal and universally felt such as love, death, addiction, regret, beauty or loneliness. With this project, Ward has given a space in which people can express what they struggle to communicate to the people surrounding them.
An Ode to Slow Living: @vita________lenta
“Vita lenta” translates to “slow life,” and this Instagram account lives up to its name. It’s a quiet haven on the internet, ‘celebrating humans, simplicity, and life as it is’.
What sets this account apart is its unique approach. The content is crowd-sourced, with people from around the world tagging @vita________lenta in their stories to contribute. Originally focused on Italy, it has now expanded to encompass a global audience. The videos capture moments like waves crashing against the shore, elderly couples sitting by the sea, a man lying on a bench immersed in a book, or a mesmerizing sunset. These simple, yet profound glimpses of life invite viewers to take a deep breath, slow down, and savor the beauty of the present moment.
Embracing self-love and compassion: @theopeninvite, @more.gentle.reminders, @latenightepiphanies
In a world where self-doubt often creeps in, @theopeninvite, @more.gentle.reminders are two accounts centered on self-love, self-care, and mental health messages. Both accounts show affirmations written on walls, road signs, posters, or display boards. Their posts encourage self-compassion and self-appreciation, reminding us that it’s perfectly okay to be proud of how far we’ve come, even if it’s not exactly where we thought we’d be. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, these reminders provide a comforting anchor. While some may find the messages a tad cheesy, there’s an undeniable comfort in seeing a wall with the words “Hold on tight to the people who love you a little more on the days you can’t love yourself.” Sometimes, all it takes is a small nudge to remind us of our worth and the love that surrounds us.
@latenightepiphanies offers a similar message of self-love, as the page displays two sisters´ late night epiphanies with a touch of whimsy and wisdom. When life feels overwhelming or when that heavy ache in your chest refuses to dissipate, reading their posts can be a soothing balm for the soul. These late-night musings reassure us that it’s perfectly normal not to have everything figured out, and that there is so much to live for.
These accounts have helped me greatly in the past years. I used to be a very anxious person, especially about 2020. Thankfully, I’m a little less so now (touching wood), but on days when I felt really overwhelmed, accounts like this, in my little Instagram niche, helped me catch my breath.