REAL TALK: HOW TO STOP SOCIAL MEDIA COMPARISON

Hello, my friends! It's been awhile, and I apologize for that. I've come to my blog many times to type then hit backspace. I know these phases won't ever stop, and that's okay because just like every storm, the sun always comes out to shine.

Let's talk about social media. It's amazing for so many reasons such as building your brand and connecting with hundreds of other creatives. But social media can also be very exhausting. The thing is, social media is a lie. If we're not content with how our life is going or we've simply hit a creative road block, watching other people's lives online can feel like a personal attack. Things can get so addicting and unhealthy, but there are ways to STOP. 

1. Deleting the apps off our phone. Social media shouldn't be everything in life and sometimes taking a few days, or even weeks, away can do the trick. I did this awhile back when I was getting really frustrated with my life and comparing to others seemed to only make it worse, so I decided to delete Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, and Twitter. I, of course, didn't last too long without them ha ha, but the days that I didn't have the apps was so refreshing! It's important to grow a habit on not being so dependable on what everyone else is doing with their lives and start creating a healthy start with our own.
2. Unfollow people. Not always fun, but I'm not afraid to do this anymore. If someone is posting something that isn't attracting me anymore, it's okay to unfollow. If my negative patterns continue from following a certain person, it's time to let them go. There's nothing wrong with getting a fresh start on our feed and putting ourselves first.
3. No more negative self-talk. I'm at huge fault with this one. I scroll down Tumblr and think so many times why don't I own those clothes, man... I should have thought of that idea, I wish my kitchen looked like that... and much more. I think these thoughts come from not feeling good enough. It's easy to wish to be other people and have all of their accomplishments, but we need to work on replacing the negative talk to positive talk because we are good enough. Who knows, maybe the other person that we wished to have things from is thinking/feeling the same thing towards another person. It's a never ending circle.
4. Be happy for others. It's an ugly thing to start feeling bitterness/jealousy toward strangers for no good reason. When this starts to happen, let's remember that these are real people who are more than likely only sharing the highlights of their lives, but are also experiencing some hardships behind-the-scenes. Let's suck up our pride and be happy for what they're accomplishing. One good way to start is by leaving a nice comment on one of their Instagram posts saying, "You are so awesome! I'm so happy to see where life has taken you!"
5. Redirect your focus. Let's do something different for a change:  

• Getting a gym membership card: it's a great escape to let out emotions. When I had a gym membership, this was my go-to place to think and let go all negative vibes. 
• Going outside: sometimes spending time in nature can help us get a new perspective in anything we are facing.
• Finish that book: I have many un-finished books on my shelf and I beat myself for never finishing them. Educating our minds with some good reads may just change a person.

I know this is a major problem in today's society that we have to live up to other's expectations, and this doesn't have to apply only to social media. It happens everywhere! In school, at work, even in our own families... But I hope I planted some good vibes in your soul with this post. 
YOU. ARE. NOT. ALONE.
I'm not perfect and my life as I show on Instagram is far from perfect. I'm still growing and learning along with all of you.

Do you do anything different to get you out of this gloomy hole? I would like to know!

Love you guys, until next time.