I’ve essentially obtained what I’ve yearned for the past few years. Some of it has appeared exactly as I envisioned, while some hasn’t, but it has turned out even better. How often do we desire more and more?
Years ago, you prayed for something you probably take for granted today. Maybe you don’t take it for granted, but you still spend most of your time thinking that now that you have that something, something else will come to fulfill your happiness. It’s a vicious cycle, and nothing is ever good enough.
I’m guilty of this as well. Adding social media to the equation makes it even worse. I’ve dedicated so much time to social media, wishing to be someone I’m not. Longing for a new career, a partner, and even a random house in the jungle.
I’ve seen remarkable yet irrelevant individuals share a one-minute glimpse of their lives, and I genuinely spend mere seconds wishing I were them. You know those thoughts of maybe if my job had more of this and less of that or if my body resembled theirs and looked less like mine. When is it all sufficient?
This isn’t to say we can’t be inspired by people or have aspirations. The issue arises when we believe that these things won’t bring more problems. The grass isn’t always greener, and even when it seems so from the other side, you’ll just gain clearer visibility of prettier grass.
I have this inner understanding that everything is unfolding as it should, so I primarily direct my energy inward. I ask myself, “What can I do more of that brings me joy?” and “Who can I spend quality time with that uplifts me?”
Because, realistically, what else do we have going for us other than today? The foolish illusion of the future and the past has me fed up. To be quite honest, I will never meet everyone’s expectations regarding who I’m supposed to be, what I’m supposed to say, and where I’m supposed to live. Even if I do, someone will always have something to say. And since I can’t please everyone, how about I choose to prioritize pleasing myself first? Chances are that being authentic will attract the right people and opportunities. I’m not interested in distractions that don’t resonate or align with that.
Anyway, being mindful when using social media has become crucial for my mental well-being. I’ve made a considerable effort to replace my phone screen time with my Kindle. They are baby steps, but I’m trying. In the end, we all keep trying, trying, trying.
Sleepy Awakening 