Social media isn't always as it seems – and one woman is showing how fake it can be.
Danae Mercer is one of the defining influencers in the body positive movement. She boasts over 2million Instagram followers thanks to the authentic way she creates her content.
The 35-year-old mum – who battled an eating disorder in the past – uses her platform to inspire other women to love themselves. And recently, she told them they need to remember Instagram is just a "highlight reel".
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To prove her point, she posted two images of herself side-by-side that show what she looks like posing and sucking in. When she relaxes her body and allows it to do its natural thing she looks very different.
In the post, she told people "mirrors only show one moment", and reminded them that they are so much more than that. Danae said people are "worthy", no matter what they look like.
As well as this, she noted no body is a "dream" body if it's a nightmare to maintain. She also noted that having a bloated or slightly fuller tummy shouldn't dictate what you decide to wear.
Writing on Instagram, Danae said: "Look at your reflection. Not there, not in the mirror. But in the eyes of your dearest friends. In the eyes of those who love you.
"They will say things like she has the most glorious laugh, it lights up the room, and she stayed up with me all night when my baby was sick so I wouldn’t feel alone, what selflessness, what kindness. She had the strength to fight so many battles that I would crumple beneath, she is my inspiration, and her smile makes my heart swell.
"They will speak of your personality, your heart, your brain. They’ll talk about your arms that hold, your eyes that shine. They’ll speak of memories made together, and more than that, they’ll speak about how you made them feel.
"So look at your reflection, dear girl. Not some image you see in a piece of glass. But the hundreds of moments that make the real you. Look, and delight in the magic that you see."
Danae's pictures remind people just how easy it is to make our bodies look different online. Simple poses and tricks can transform how people look in an instant – and that's before you add editing tools into the mix.
She wants people to remember that social media is fun, but it's also not always the full picture. Everyone has flaws, and she wants us to embrace them.
Several people have liked the post since she shared it, and her followers were quick to comment too. People thanked her for shining a light on reality.
One person commented: "I just needed to hear that. Thanks a lot. I will save this post to read it again later."
Another wrote: "I love you!! Thank you for always sharing the reality of life that we actually live in!"
Meanwhile, a third replied: "It is very hard to love my daily bloated belly. Thank you so much for sharing, so we don‘t feel alone."
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