The other day, I read this:
“Don’t let Instagram fool you. There are people with only 3-9 likes who have plenty of friends. People with 100+ likes who are lonely in life. Couples who look so happy together, yet are miserable as hell. Couples who don’t post pictures together but are in beautiful, loving relationships. People who know each other very well but appear as strangers. People who are up to their neck in debt yet appear to live lavishly on Instagram. Remember, this is not real life. Appearances are just that, appearances…”
To put it simply, Instagram is a highlight reel. It covers the bases when it comes to our happiest moments, but when it comes to our hard moments, or sad moments, we choose not to publicly display those (most of the time, at least). Unfortunately, a lot of people look at an Instagram page and assume that the person’s life is 100% like what they see…and this creates a sense of “want” to become more like them. To travel more, to have a beautiful wardrobe, or to be in a more loving family. When we want to become someone else, we are losing sight of what truly matters: our own happiness, and the happiness of OUR family.
The average person spends at least an hour, if not more, on Instagram each day. Today, I am urging you to put down your phone, live in the moment, and really focus on your family. Here are a few ways that you can stop focusing on the lives of others and instead, focus on you, your family, and living a life that you truly love:
Focus on connections
Most of us have been in unhealthy relationships in the past, sometimes even with ourselves. One very important aspect to living a life that you love and connecting with the people around you is to build and grow truly healthy relationships. Make sure to spend time with those you love and connect with new people. Go to counseling if you need it. Actually spend quality time with those who are important to you.
Keep the “happy” in your marriage
Almost half of relationships end up in divorce. While sometimes, things are out of your control, a lot of the time, it just takes a bit of effort to improve things within your relationship. Improve communication, work on dating one another, and above all else, make sure that you are intentionally showing love to one another each and every day. Having a happy marriage IS work. But, when you do all of the right things, it can be so rewarding.
Nurture your children’s social and emotional growth
Make sure that your children know that they are loved and respected, that they can talk about their feelings, and that you can help them work through any challenges that they may face. Being a parent is all about showing up and letting them know that you are here for them – no matter what. You do not have to be perfect – you just have to be you, and let your children be themselves, as well.
Learn to live with less
No matter what some might say, I truly believe that happiness does not always come from things. Sure – things can make life easier, which can bring happiness, but if I had to choose my family over an object, I would ALWAYS choose family. Learning to live with less is a really great mindset to take up, and when you do actually live with less, you will feel less stressed, too.
To start with this mindset, you need to get rid of the things that you do not need.
Donate items, have a yard sale, check out Facebook marketplace for old kid toys or old furniture, and when it comes to valuables, Chapes-JPL can help you out because they are rolex watch buyers in Atlanta, jewelry buyers, gold buyers, and more. Chapes-JPL works out of private financial offices in the heart of Buckhead, so the business you do with them is always confidential, in a comfortable space. In addition to buying valuables, they also offer low interest loans, if that is your preference. With those, they do not require credit checks, tax returns, or job verifications, and if you choose to get a loan vs. completely selling your jewelry outright, the typical loan will be processed within minutes, which is wild. This is a good option for those that want to hold onto their items, but maybe need some quick cash to pay off a high-interest loan, or for an emergency. Learning to live with less is a process, but once you go for it, it can definitely bring a lot of happiness your way.
Focusing on your happiness and your families happiness is SO important. We live such busy lifestyles that oftentimes, we forget about this, but it should be front and center every single day.
Partyof2plus3 