"Comparison is the thief of joy." Whether this nugget came from Mark Twain, Theodore Roosevelt, or was whispered by a wise old owl, its truth resonates now more than ever in our social media-saturated world.
Let's face it: scrolling through an endless feed of exotic vacations, gourmet meals, and seemingly flawless lifestyles can make anyone feel like they're missing out (#FOMO). It's as if everyone's living in a perpetual state of #Blessed, while we're over here trying to remember if we paid the electric bill. But here's the kicker – most of what we see online is a curated highlight reel, not the bloopers and outtakes of real life.
Social media has turned into a stage where flexing wealth and leisure has become the norm. We've all seen it – the not-so-humble brag about the latest five-star hotel stay or the artfully snapped photo of a wrist adorned with a luxury watch, casually placed next to the morning latte (because time is money, and caffeine keeps us fueled). It's as if projecting an image of living the celebrity lifestyle has become a competitive sport.
But at what cost? In this relentless pursuit to one-up each other, we're not just stealing our own joy – we’re robbing others of theirs. The more we compare, the more we despair. It's a vicious cycle that leaves everyone feeling a little emptier, no matter how full their champagne glass is.
On a personal note, I've already jumped off this merry-go-round. You won't find me waxing poetic about caviar-infused truffle soufflés atop a private glacier or embarking on Himalayan expeditions with a team of Sherpas carrying my monogrammed luggage. Instead, I prefer to share snapshots of interesting places, cool architecture, and unique experiences that spark curiosity rather than envy.
There's a world of wonder in the ordinary if we just take a moment to look. A hidden mural on a city street, a sunset that even Instagram filters can't improve, or a candid shot of interesting people or wildlife. These are the images that resonate with me.
Imagine if we shifted our focus from impressing others to expressing ourselves authentically. Social media could inspire, rather than make you feel crappy about your life. We could celebrate each other's milestones without feeling like someone else's success diminishes our own.
In the end, life isn't a competition scored by the number of likes or followers we've amassed. It's a series of moments and connections that shape who we are. By stepping off the comparison treadmill, we not only reclaim our joy but also give others the permission to do the same.
So before you envy someone else's greener grass, consider it's probably just a filter over AstroTurf. Instead of coveting their lawn, grab a hose and water your own. Life isn't about amassing likes; it's about liking who we are when the Wi-Fi is down. Let's bail out of this 'vanity vortex' and embrace our beautifully unfiltered realities. After all, the only ‘like’ that truly matters is the one you give yourself.
Neil Moore is a communications specialist, freelance journalist, masters athlete, and family man who believes that excellence has no expiry date.
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