Emily and I were in the kitchen, carving out a pumpkin together to celebrate Pumpkin Day. She was quiet at first but then let out a sigh. “Bob, I just don’t feel comfortable in my own life sometimes. Everywhere I look on social media, people have these perfect lives and it makes me feel not so good about my life.”
I looked over and said, “Emily, what you see on social media is only a highlight reel. You’re comparing yourself to a version of life that isn’t completely free of filters. Everyone is putting their best foot forward online but that’s just a part of their story.”
She nodded, still deep in thought and I continued. “You have to remember that happiness doesn’t come from comparing your life to someone else’s. It comes from appreciating what you have and focusing on your own journey. Social media can be deceiving because it shows curated moments, not the real struggles or challenges behind them. It’s important to stop measuring your worth against someone else’s facade.”
Emily tilted her head, her expression softening. “So, how do I stop comparing myself?”
“Well,” I said, “the first thing you can do is practice gratitude. Focus on the things you love about your own life. Write them down if you need to. And secondly, reduce your time scrolling through other people’s lives. Instead, invest that time in yourself—work on your passions, your goals, your happiness. It’s your life, and no one else’s opinion or social media post should dictate how you feel about it.”
A small smile appeared onto Emily’s face. “You’re right, Bob. I’ve been so caught up in what I see online that I forgot to focus on what’s real for me.”
As we finished with the pumpkin, I added, “Just remember, life is about enjoying your own path. When you stop comparing yourself to others and start living for yourself, that’s when you’ll find real contentment.”
For anyone reading this, here’s the takeaway: Comparing yourself to others, especially on social media, is a path to unhappiness. Your journey is unique, and your value isn’t defined by someone else’s crafted life. Appreciate what you have, and live your story to the fullest.
