Just Like Her Photo

In the world we're living in, it seems that so many women and girls are defining their worth based off likes, comments, and photos they post on social media.

I know, I know, coming from me (a blogger) this post may sound lame... but hear me out.

Deep down, we all know we're worth more than the numbers on our social media account.

But, the sting is still there if the selfie you just posted gets maybe half the engagement your usual photos get. 

Right? I know you feel it too.

I could easily get on here and type out things that I truly believe like: "The numbers game on instagram is ridiculous" and "post photos for memories not for likes" or "stop comparing your life to what you see on social media" but instead I'm going to say this... JUST LIKE HER PICTURE!

Since social media is my job, I'm constantly hearing about and researching what instagram is doing with their platform.

I know all I can know about the dreaded "algorithm" and how most of your followers don't see your pictures anymore... but I also know that more people do actually see it than how many actually liked it.

So, hear me out for a minute... We're seeing articles all over the place advertising to women that they need to stop comparing their worth to the likes they receive, but we're all still doing it.

So, while I see those articles as beneficial and a way to lift spirits, I also think simply liking each others photos ain't such a bad idea either!

A mom should feel comfortable posting a picture where they feel good in what they're wearing without first second guessing if anyone will like it, a newly engaged girl shouldn't have to worry if her proposal picture is too grainy for likes, and a college freshman shouldn't have to feel sad if their mirror selfie is only liked by their mom...

We live in a world where jealousy takes over several friendships and relationships and it kinda makes me sick.

No, I'm not perfect either... but I write what I need my own self to hear so maybe this is more for me than anything?

I just can't seem to understand why you would follow someone and just scroll past their photo without taking the quick second to double tap.

Not actually seeing someone's pictures is one thing, I don't see many anymore to be honest... but if you do, why not just give them a little pick me up by liking that picture?

It's kind of like a virtual hug, ya know?

I think if more of us women had these virtual hugs more often, there wouldn't be such a comparison feeling on instagram. 

I think if we just supported each other and let each other know that we do in fact like what their posting, there would be a lot less feelings of inadequacy and "social media fasts."

I'm in several groups on Facebook.

Some are for moms, some are for wives, some are religious groups, and some are for bloggers.

However, despite the differences of the types of people in each group, in just the past week I have seen a few posts in each group from women talking about how Instagram is getting them down.

How they post a photo and it seems like no one really "liked" it.

Maybe it seems silly to you, but after seeing all these posts I felt so sad that maybe a fifteenth of the people that follow you, actually like your photo.

And the thing is, if you switch to a business account (which anyone can do) it shows how many "impressions" were made or rather, how many people viewed the photo without actually liking it.

I just keep thinking, why follow someone if you aren't actually going to like their content?

I know there are bigger issues in the world, but let's save our friends from the heartache and just double tap while scrolling.

I've been making more of a conscious effort when I actually look at instagram to like people's photos, because if I like that person enough to follow them, then I must like their content too.

So anyways, I personally think this will do more good than harm and really, it takes a matter of seconds to just like the photo ;)

Now go show your friends some instagram love!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Buy a Bag, Help Save a Child | Barri Handbags

Happy Sunday friends! 

I am so excited to be talking about Barri handbags on the blog today!

As you all know by now, I am incredibly passionate about the cause, O.U.R (operation underground railroad), and doing all that I can to help support it. 

That's why I was so excited to learn about Barri, a handbag company that gives 10% of sales to OUR to help save children's lives!

Not only are these bags absolutely beautiful, but they are supporting the fight against the third most lucrative crime in the world.

How amazing is that??

I wanted to spread a little more awareness about Barri today, because their kickstarter fund is currently live and has 3 days left to go!

With your support and help, Ashley, the founder, will be able to produce these gorgeous bags and donate to O.U.R. 

With three days left, they have a little over $3,000 until the goal is reached!

If you've wondered how you can help end fight child sex trafficking, this is a great way to help!

Simply click here to go straight to the kickstarter fund and see the video where Ashley explains the mission and purpose of her company.  

I was able to test out and touch these bags on Saturday and I can honestly tell you that they are amazing quality.

They had awesome durability, the colors were gorgeous, and the hardware was very well crafted.

They are made of all high quality materials and are produced in fair wage factories. 

Ashley has tons of experience in designing handbags and after looking at them in person, it definitely shows!

So lucky for all of you, if you donate to the kickstarter fund you will receive 15% off your preorder purchase and be guaranteed a bag from the beautiful, b. brave collection. 

I loved talking to Ashley about her company and hearing how passionate she is about it. 

I absolutely know she is doing this with a purpose and doesn't want to start just another handbag company.
 She wants this one to be different and special!

Besides already deciding to support O.U.R, she also has a goal to support and uplift women everywhere.

She wants to create a community within Barri to help women know just how special they are.

Each bag has a metal plate inside to help you remember your worth, daily.

The plate reads: | b. inspired | b. kind | b. active | b. change |

Each bag also comes with a purse fob in front with the word "freedom" inscribed to always remind you of the cause you helped support with your purchase.

As you can see, a whole lot of time and effort were put into creating these bags!

If you have the means, please help support this awesome company with their kickstarter campaign! 

If you don't have the means, please share their facebook page, follow their instagram, or simply just tell your friends and family to spread the word!

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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Become an Abolitionist

Hunter and I had the opportunity to attend a screening of the film, The Abolitionists, last week. 

To be completely honest, we went not really thinking we would get much out of the movie and used it as more of a date night.

However, we left with a completely different feeling!

Both of us left that night completely inspired to do our part in making a difference. 

So... what is the movie about?

The shortened version is this... 

Today there are over two million enslaved children forced into the sex industry around the world. 

If you ask me, that alone is completely sickening. 

So the movie is about rescuing these children and saving them from the horror they are living.

On December 10th, 2013 Special Agent Tim Ballard (aka Hunter's mother's cousin's son... ha did you get that?) turned in his Homeland Security badge and  resigned from his employment with the United States government. 

He had spent over a decade rescuing these poor children from child sex tourism both domestically and overseas. 

Though his job was difficult, he was proud that his country was one of very few in the world who was actually doing anything about this problem. 

However, mired in red tape and bureaucracy, Tim left to begin saving the children that he saw falling out of the purview of the US government. 

These children constitute over 90% of the children lost to child sex slavery and he could do nothing to help them while in the employment of the US government.

This is a story about the lost children from other countries and the rescue team’s exploits as they investigate and liberate enslaved children from around the world.

Okay, so you're thinking one of 3 things right now... maybe a few of them actually... but I'm sure you're thinking something along the lines of...

1) "Wow sounds interesting! I'd actually love to see this movie! Tell me more about where and when I can see it!"

2) "I'm a parent myself and I really don't want to watch this. It sounds like it would make me sick. How else can I help?"

3) "I'm not very interested."

So, here are my answers!

If you're number one, yay! 

You really will not regret it!

Click this link to buy your tickets today :)

Also, tell all your friends to go see it!

It will only be in theaters for one day at the moment, which is May 16th.

If we can fill those theaters it will receive a theatrical release and play longer!

If you're number two... I understand!

That's actually exactly how I felt after reading up on it before I saw the movie.

It's hard, as a mom, to think about the terrible situations these children are in.

However, the movie is very well done!

It is made in a PG-13 manner because they wanted to make it appropriate for young moviegoers to see what is happening around them as well. 

It is meant to caution them and wake the audience up while not scaring them away from the theater due to the darkness of the subject matter. 

The goal was not to sicken people but rather to inform them and motivate them to do whatever they could do as individuals, within their own sphere of influence, to stop this plague of human trafficking.

Not to mention, 15% of the profit of movie sales from theaters will be going directly to Operation Underground Railroad which is the organization that creates the missions to save these children.

However, if you see the movie at a Larry H. Miller theater 100% of the proceeds will go to "OUR"!

If you still don't feel like seeing the movie is a good fit... you can donate by clicking here!

And if you're number three... please hear me out!

This is something that isn't just happening overseas. 

It is happening right here in America too, and we need to protect our children from it.

In fact, Utah is actually the number one state where child sex trafficking happens.

Terrifying!

Please join me in taking a stand against this!

Check out this site to be even more inspired. 

Please join us in taking a stand against this horrifying crime that generates over 32 billion dollars yearly. 

There are also several other ways you can help... like attending events!

Here is a link to a few that sound pretty cool!

My little family will be attending the Rescue Run 5k in Lehi on May 21st and we are so excited!

I would absolutely love to see you there!

All money raised by the run will be donated to Operation Underground Railroad.

In just two years, they have already saved over 419 victims!

Just imagine how many more we can save if we just bring awareness to this subject!

To register click here and make sure to use code: INSTAGRAM to get $5 off your registration :)

I really hope you go see this movie in theaters on May 16th and attend the run!

I'll be there walking with my Oaks ;)

All my love,

Aleigh Joy

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