Why are we always looking at what we don’t have?
We as a society need to stop looking for what we don’t have and start looking at what we do have in our lives.
Is social media to blame?
Maybe Social Media is to blame for Mental Health maybe its not, who knows yes it may contribute somewhat but its not all bad, there is a lot of good that comes out of online interaction.
When I was growing up there wasn’t much going on in terms of social media, (listen to me I sound like I’m a pensioner) anyway I was more concerned with going out playing with my friends and doing stupid shit, like lighting fires and taping Zimmer frames to skateboards and throwing my mates off Kirbs on it. (Terrible idea by the way do not try this at home).
I am 27 years old now by the way. As time went on I got more and more immersed in the social media world, so much so I would say I was addicted to it and on my phone probably 80% of the day.
The more I seen all the public figures i not so much looked up to but somewhat influenced by the more I wanted to be successful and wanted all the possessions they had, eg. high end clothing, nice watches, and the latest gadgets. I had grown to not know the value of money, I would be out working all day then go and spend it like I had loads of it when clearly I hadn’t. I had all the latest gadgets and nice clothing, shopping in expensive shops, I was living way above my means and I think It was because this was all I was seeing and so I thought well if they can do it so can i.
I have always been a driven person, I always wanted success and still do but I see it in a different way now that I am older, I don’t spend my money on stupid shit although some people may disagree.
The meaning of success has changed for me, success for me now is living comfortably having a family and being in a job which I love going into everyday. Yes money certainly helps but it certainly does not bring a lifetime of happiness.
We need to start and appreciate what we have in our lives already, My mum has a canvas on the wall in our house and it says “If you love what you have, then you have everything you need”. I walk past it numerous times everyday but it has had a lot of influence in the way i think now, which confirms my point back about seeing people online all the time having the best of possessions which seeing it all the time had me thinking I needed all this crap too.
Social Platforms can be a very lonely place.
You almost feel as if you’re a tiny twig amongst a forest full of tall fully grown trees.
Instagram and Facebook are massive platforms and can sometimes be looked at like a game with a lot of contenders, always sprucing things up to make them look perfect and their lives so flashy. All the best clothes and latest accessories to go with it. We are living in a materialistic world where if you are not up to date with the latest trends you are almost looked down upon. Yes that’s all well and good having these things, its a nice luxury to have them but they only keep you happy for a short period of time. FILTERS ARE OUR HAPPY PLACE!!
While we are too busy chasing likes and follows and approval of what we are posting, we are missing out on what really matters which is our reality and not what is fake because we can hide behind a screen and make everything look and sound ok when really its not.
We need to focus on the aspects of our lives which are, Friends, Family, and most importantly ourselves and our well being. instead of looking down at your phone look up and forward because that is the direction you want to go in life “FORWARD”! the more you look down the and follow other people and trends the more opportunities you will miss.
Its like driving you need to look ahead to be able to see where you are going otherwise you will eventually crash, like media platforms If you take all influence from others and try to fit in you will eventually crash because you are not being who you truly are and following the path in which makes you happy.
YOU WILL NOT REACH YOUR DREAM WHEN YOU LET OTHER PEOPLE DRIVE.
It sounds as if I am bashing Social Media but I actually do like it, it has had a lot of good influence on me I just urge you to be careful because it has its dark sides. This is just my personal experience.
Thanks for Reading
Don’t forget to hit the like and follow button on the way out.
Glen Scales 