This past summer, my family embarked on a brief road trip filled with relaxation and quality time with friends. I captured only a few moments on camera, but as I browsed through social media later, I felt a familiar twinge of jealousy. If my family didn’t have a picture-perfect vacation to showcase online, did we even take a trip at all?
Just recently, I experienced Hamilton for the first time. (Yes, I know, I’m late to the party.) It was just as spectacular as everyone claims, but did it lose some of its magic because I was seated far from the stage and didn’t have exclusive backstage passes like a friend? Perhaps. Was my experience diminished because I didn’t share a selfie in front of the theater? Did it even count if it wasn’t plastered across my social media? I don’t believe so.
I must confess, I have a bit of a social media addiction. I love scrolling through platforms like Facebook to catch up on news, see adorable pictures of friends’ children, and maintain connections with loved ones scattered across the globe. Social media has its perks, and its influence is undeniable.
Yet, it can also be exhausting.
Thanks to social media, keeping up with the Joneses has morphed into a race against the Smiths, Johnsons, and even that distant cousin we barely know. Our fascination with possessions and social standing is overwhelming. The relentless pursuit of more is draining, and social media plays a significant role in this frenzy.
As someone striving for minimalism, I find excessive stuff overwhelming. I don’t yearn for a closet full of designer shoes or a bathroom stocked with luxury beauty products. While there’s nothing wrong with those items, social media often suggests that these should be our goals. But that’s simply not true for me.
My family manages with just one car and resides in a modest home, where we share a single bathroom. I value experiences over material things. Clutter makes me anxious, and too much stuff drives me to distraction.
Despite this awareness, I can’t help but feel drawn to the allure of social media. A bigger house? More chic décor? A renovated kitchen? Extra shoes? Lavish vacations? Even the desire for more likes on a Facebook post can creep in. Deep down, I know I don’t truly want these things, yet the flashy nature of social media can make me question that.
The curated lives of others can make my own seem mundane. The aspects I cherish—like a cozy home and meaningful relationships—can feel insufficient compared to stylish homes and glamorous gatherings.
I suspect I’m not alone in these feelings, and while social media isn’t the sole culprit, it certainly amplifies our innate desire to compare ourselves to others. This inclination, when left unchecked, can lead to dissatisfaction and anxiety.
With social media everywhere, combating the urge for more can be incredibly challenging. It’s essential to focus on what genuinely matters to us rather than what seems important to others. For me, that includes nurturing relationships, volunteering, and spending quality time with loved ones. If you enjoy decorating or baking, embrace those passions—life is too short to waste on things that don’t bring joy.
It’s a continuous battle, but I’ve developed strategies to resist the pull to keep up. I remind myself that I don’t need more things, regardless of what social media or advertisers suggest. I strive to teach my kids that people are more important than possessions, ensuring our home is a welcoming space free from the fear of damaging expensive decor.
I’m also learning to relax my perfectionist tendencies and embrace a bit of chaos. I encourage family and friends to give experiences rather than material gifts during special occasions. Regular trips to donate items we no longer need help declutter my life. I remind myself that social media is merely a highlight reel, not an accurate depiction of real life.
Sometimes, I resist the urge to showcase my own highlights on social media. It’s perfectly fine if people don’t know about my latest Target haul or our new appliances.
Ultimately, it’s about mastering the art of not letting possessions and status dictate our worth. While social media has intensified our obsession with materialism, we have the power to resist.
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In summary, it’s important to recognize our tendencies to compare ourselves to others, especially in the age of social media. By focusing on what truly matters to us—relationships, experiences, and personal values—we can break free from the exhausting cycle of wanting more.