How many times have you thought, “I wish that was me”? I wish I was going to Europe or the Caribbean. I wish my husband surprised me with roses at work to celebrate the first time he laid eyes on me. I wish I was rocking newer clothes instead of the same old things I have been wearing.
If you’re on Facebook, it’s probably every day. After a while, you start to really hate seeing #blessed. It starts to feel like everyone else is living this amazing glamorous life, while you’re schlepping through trying to make ends meet, arguing with your husband about who should do the dishes.
Well, I’m calling bull.
Because I happen to know that for every one of those #blessed statuses, there’re a dozen moments of boredom, or arguing over dishes, or toddler tantrums in Target. Their life isn’t different from yours. They have the same problems, vulnerabilities, and secrets that you do.
The best quote I've heard recently is ”Don’t compare your real life to my highlights reel”. Because that’s what Facebook is, It’s someone else’s highlights reel. I gave up Facebook last year for lent and I'm starting 2017 off that way also. NO FACEBOOK. It takes a lot of work to break through the mind trap that is Facebook and learn to love and live your own life.
There’s a problem with social media, movies, television, and romance novels. After a while, all of those lives seem to be real. And our life seems to pale in comparison. While each of those things can add something good into your life, if left unchecked, it can also make you compare yourself to others.When you’re constantly looking at others and wishing that was you, then you aren’t investing your time and energy into your own life.
Limit time on Facebook (or anywhere you feel the urge to compare yourself) for two weeks to see if you feel better or worse. Just be you. Make a list of things you're thankful for. And realize you're viewing the highlight reel and turn it off.
Until next time...