The Pressures of Living Up to "All of That"

We live in a unique time period of life.  More than ever before, we have people speaking into our lives. We have “messaging” speaking into our lives.

We hear what we should be, how we should be it, and many more things, from tv advertising and shows, movies, facebook, instagram, pinterest, twitter, and all of those other websites and youtube videos that we run across online.

On the one hand… what an advantage we have. More than ever before we have online tutorials to help us when we have questions, or resources at our fingertips to ease our minds about things that bother us.

On the other hand… we have SO much information bombarding us that the pressures to ‘live up’ to all of that, can be overwhelming. 

It’s no wonder we walk around feeling defeated and stressed.

We SEE what we want to look like and what we do not want to look like.

We SEE how we should eat, but are struggling to get it locked in.

WE HEAR all of the adventurous and blessed things that are happening to others.

We SEE all of the friendships and great family environments that other people have.

And if we don’t have these things ourselves, it can be depressing. 

Sometimes, we can be motivated and empowered. But if we continue to struggle, or things don’t start happening the way we want? Continuing to see and hear those voices speaking into our lives, can put a lot of unnecessary pressure on our shoulders.

I feel it too, at times.

But we CAN deal with it and not let it overtake our hearts.  

For one, remember that social media is not bad. It is simply a reflection of who we are, and what is going on around us in society. So, you don’t need to quit it all together, unless you feel really strongly that you need that boundary in your life to be emotionally healthy.

Next, remember to always keep a filter on in your heart, your head, and your soul. Filter everything you hear, see, and take in. Filter the different situations, and environments that come with the advice, photos, and input that you are seeing. Not everything is realistic for everyone. And sometimes, we simply need to put on the filter of, ‘I’m happy for her,” and know that that will never be a reality for us. 

And that’s OKAY. We can still be happy, blessed, and valued whether or not we attain or have something we value in someone else.

The point is, we need to keep our feet and our heads, on solid ground. Understand that life is diverse. We are not all meant to be the same, look the same, weigh the same, or act the same. And we are just living in a time, where we are finally seeing and hearing what is going on with everyone else. We are hearing what companies want us to think we can and can’t live without.

So, don’t always let them SELL their message to you. Filter it with your heart and your head. Decide if it’s something that will truly bring something positive to your life. And if it’s unattainable? Then tweak that messaging and instead, motivate yourself in a slightly different direction.

Our society is feeling the weight of all of these thoughts and voices from others running into each person’s life. Across each person’s screen.

Know how to control it. Know how to filter it. KNOW that you are valuable regardless of whether or not you can insert yourself into what you are seeing. For most of the time, you will not. See it for what it is, and simply click “like” and admire - but then go out and enjoy your own life. Soak in your own world. 

Live your own life with beauty, strength, and joy.  For that is what makes it enviable.