*Scrolling through Facebook* Jane Doe and her family are at the beach...AGAIN. I think, "Man, I wish I could afford to go to the beach that much. It must be nice". Little do I know, Jane Doe's son is battling cancer and though, they can't exactly afford it, she takes her son to the beach often because that is the only thing that brings him joy now. *Scrolls through Instagram* Suzy Q just had her third child! I think, "I want a third child so bad I can't stand it". What is not shown on Instagram though, is the five years of miscarriages, heartache, fertility treatments and Doctor's visits in order to hold that little bundle of joy in her arms.

I thought about this topic after seeing a quote by the great Bill Murray that said "Social Media is training us to compare our lives, instead of appreciating everything we are. No wonder why everyone is always depressed". This is so true. Why do we do this to ourselves? Or I guess I could even ask, Why are we letting Social Media do this to us? People choose what to put on social media and what not to put on there. Just because you never see a spouse bad mouthing the other spouse on social media does not mean there are not marital issues. They are just choosing to keep that part private. Or the Mom who only posts the cute things that her kids do. That does not mean that she was not just in her room twenty minutes prior, crying on her bed because she needs a freaking break. I'm 100% guilty of doing this from time to time. I'll look at instagram pictures of people I don't even know getting to travel all over the world, yet it's a miracle if I can get to a Doctor's appointment without my kids tagging along. I'm envious of their ability to be able to travel so much, but guess what?? They're envious of the fact that I can have children. I think we all need to focus on being happy for others and their accomplishments *without envy*. We all have our own struggles in this world, the best thing we can do is be there for others when they need a shoulder to cry on, a hug, a high five, or a listening ear. And know that even though things may seem great on Social Media, things might not be going to well in real life. Let's check on our friends and family and make sure they know that they are loved.

My younger sister is about to travel Europe for over a week. How awesome is that? Yeah, I was a little jealous at first, but I mean who wouldn't be? In reality, She's been through a lot and has a very stressful job that has left her burnt out. It was definitely time for her to take a vacation and enjoy herself. Through talking with her, I realized that there are so many ways to travel super cheap! There is an Airline called WOW Airlines. I wouldn't of ever known about it had she not told me. You can also book experiences through Airbnb. My sister booked a yoga class under the Eiffel Tower that way. While I look forward to seeing her pictures and hearing about her experiences. I also now have a trip to Europe to look into! Remember, don't believe everything on Social Media and love yourself and others a little more than you did yesterday.

~The Truthful Mama