post secret

Since high school, I have been intrigued by the Post Secret books and website. As this concept has evolved, it has become somewhat of a blog. The idea is that people who feel the need to express their secret actions or feeling, do so through designing a post card, and mailing it in. Originally they were published in a book, and then later, they began posting them consistently on a website. People often comment back and forth either to the designer of the postcard, or a general comment regarding the secret or the visual aspects of the image. The two postcards I have chosen to share struck me for different reasons. While not all of the secrets revealed are heart-wrentching, I find that the majority have negative connotations. It is natural to assume that most positive aspects of our lives, we don't keep secret. I find it interesting that people choose to share their secrets with the world by the means of this trend, and while their best friend may not be aware of their secret, the world will know that a person exists with these emotions. As a psychology major, I understand that sometimes people receive comfort in expressing things they usually cannot, and I wonder how many people read the comments that people post on their postcard. I wonder if they are put at ease by the support or feedback, or hurt by those that critique them. Also in terms of psychology, without posting to this website, you can still feel as part of a community. When scrolling through these secrets, many are vague, and a apply to the majority of people at some point in their life ( such as the two pictures I chose to share). It allows for those who do not even participate, to realize that they are not alone, and their feelings are shared among many. This is often a comfort that we find in group therapies, but here it is simply found on visiting a website. Not feeling alone can make all the difference to someone who is hurting, and this website provides that feeling of shared emotions.

The two postcards I chose to share are both from people who are struggling. One, from an individual who missing her childhood, and another from someone who is not having the experience that they feel they are supposed to be. I find them both relatable for a few reasons. While personally, I am comfortable with the place I am at in my life, there are always moments where these secrets could have easily been mine. When dealing with life's complicated decisions and situations, it is hard to not wish I still have the simple life of a child. The innocence and happiness is uncanny to that of anyone in their twenties. Therefore, the first postcard struck a nostalgic chord in my heart. In regards to the second postcard, I was emotionally moved particularly because it addresses an individual in their senior year. While I would never dream of labeling my senior year as the "worst year" of my life, it certainly has had its ups and downs, and while the high points have been memories that will remain unsurpassed for many years, the lows have also been present. While society often addresses this time in our life as nothing but greatness, it is interesting to consider the contrary.

Overall, I think the concept of this website is fantastic. It allows for the sharing of emotion, ideas, and artistic expression. It provides comfort, conversation, and critique. It is a unique concept, and I am surprised it has not become a bigger trend, especially among the young adults of our country.