Social Media can steal your happiness. Here’s how I combat that

As human beings, our emotions drive us. Unfortunately, we fall prey to the negative emotions. Our expectations can cause us to worry - about where and who we ought to be in life compared to where we find ourselves presently.

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For this reason, we tend to compare ourselves to others: their accomplishments, goals, and standard of living.

Theodore Roosevelt once said, ‘’ Comparison is the thief of joy.’’

This is true for many reasons.

There can be times when you have found yourself subconsciously comparing yourself to others. Here’s why this could be a problem:

The evidence

Research has found a direct relationship between peoples’ social media consumption and the likelihood of how often they compare themselves socially.

You may have subconsciously felt feelings of inadequacy, dissatisfaction, and isolation after having a glimpse into someone else’s life. These feelings may further conjure up a bitter sting of self-resentment, low self-esteem, and unrealistic expectations for yourself.

Social media is smoke and mirrors.

We fail to realise that these feelings conjured up are based on assumptions derived from our comparison of a glimpse of the seemingly ‘’better’’ individual’s life.

Keep in mind people choose to share things online intentionally.

Ask yourself: Would you post anything but the best highlights of your life? That’s social media.

It is said that what is meant for you will find you. 

When we realize where and how we tend to compare ourselves with others, we can begin taking meaningful steps towards ending this cycle.

No, this is not another one of those motivational articles meant to jolt you into immediately being content. It is far from it.

Instead, I want to show that we all subconsciously become victims of assessing life from a narrow perspective.

It can close our eyes to the truth, distorting the significance of our accomplishments through comparison.

Don’t let comparison be the thief of joy. Adopt the mindset of, ‘’Life isn’t happening to you. It is happening for you.’’

Sometimes, you only need a fresh perspective to turn the negative thought pattern of comparison around.

It is hard to feel content when you compare yourself to someone who is seemingly perfect or you think is better than you.

Don’t forget, you are where you are supposed to be. You have everything you need to get to where you want to go.

Celebrate your progress instead of looking around and comparing yourself to others and becoming focused on what you think you’re lacking. 

It can be challenging to accept that life is not perfect.

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Being content is something that takes a tremendous amount of intentionality.

But in the end, you will feel the weight of comparison off your shoulders. 

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