The world we live in is so different from the world we grew up in. The innocence of being a child has faded as we have grown up in country that has drastically changed in the past 23 years. I read news headlines daily, and am continuously shocked at what I see. Not only the terrible things that happen across this Earth, but the shaded feelings of countless teens and young adults in all of our communities.
Social media, in my opinion, is the straw that broke the camels back. In its conception, social media was also innocent. It was focused around friends, making connections, and marketing. I really don't understand how it has become the monster it is today. Maybe my three reasons behind taking a break from some social media sites, will help others see that when you put that phone down, or delete those apps, you can see the world in a different light.
1. Jealously
Its something we all struggle with. No matter your age, race, ethnicity or religion. I found myself following these celebrities, or people that excelled in their industry, and forming very unhealthy jealous tendencies.
I was very blessed to grow up in a home where my parents helped my brother and I, chase any dream that we had. I am eternally grateful to them for providing us with this privilege, and the means to compete. As a young kid growing up, that is all I knew. I was so excited to have what I had, and I did all I could to do the best with what I had.
I grew up as social media did. Instagram, was at its beginning when I was in high school. The more it became popular, the more people flocked to it. To show off their toys, bodies, or whatever made them happy.
I was raised as a Southern Baptist in the heart of the Bible Belt. As i have heard many times throughout my life, money is the ROOT of all evil. Having money is a blessing and a curse. That is how society has cast the wealthy percentage of the population. It is a necessary evil that will be apart of our lives forever.
Its a snowball effect really, you see and follow the people who are wealthy on these sites, and the first thing your mind reverts to is jealousy. Jealous of the life they live, and the material things they have. This blinds you from the blessings in your life and the truly good things that are right in front of you. Dont be jealous of those you see on your phone or computer screen. They have their struggles just like you.
That is reason one of why I took a break. I took a break to be humble again. To understand my life and make better decisions on how I control the temptation and jealously in life. Eliminating those apps will reduce the risk and will clear your mind of all the negative thoughts you have about your life and who you are.
2. Time Consuming
Im just going to be blunt here, you are not getting a damn thing done sitting on the couch scrolling through social media.
Im not going to be the mighty person and say I haven't been there, because I definitely have. Its almost like a habit.
Unlock door. Put on favorite t shirt and shorts. Turn TV on. Unlock phone and open up favorite social media site.
Im sure that is the routine of many people reading this, and that is okay! Winding down after a long day of work or class is understandable. Don't let it start to hinder your relationships or children. Make it a priority to spend a X amount of time on the phone, and the rest getting productive things done.
Having to keep up a persona on social media is irrelevant, and a waste of our brain power. If you find yourself doing this, for any reason, reevaluate your situation. Life is SO much more glorious than that Snapchat notification, or how many likes you can get on one picture.
Take time and put your phone down for a day... or a couple hours to start off. See the colors around you, and look at the life you have. Its wonderful and a blessing, even through the darkness.
3. Self Confidence
How can you love others if you do not love yourself?
This is a question I ask myself daily. I try to find things about myself that I love, even though that is easier said than done. It is almost impossible to do that, while being active on social media in todays world.
There is always going to be someone better, prettier, and faster. And thats okay!
God made us to be who we are, and no one has been made the same as the other. Why don't we live life, like that. Find things that make you different and work it for all that it's worth!!
If you start to compare yourself to unreachable standards, you are going to destroy your self confidence. I, myself, am still learning to be confident in myself, because who I am is who God wanted me to be. If your reaching to be like someone else, you are not reaching your full potential that God has set out for you.
Take the necessary time to take a step back. Look at who you are deep down and BE THANKFUL. God has made you in his image, and that image is BEAUTIFUL!
These words are so simple to type, and to think. Its so difficult to be strong in these things, and not slide back into the continuous scrolling. We all try, and fail. But when you prevail, and start to see the good in front of you, and not on a phone screen, that is when you have won my friend.
THAT is when you will look at life a little different.
man running in forestPhoto by 
