With the evolving technology advancements and more users on social media platforms, it has sub-consciously changed the way we live.
I may not be old enough to compare the differences before and after the trends of Instagram and Facebook, but I am of age to realize how there needs to be a change in the way we live right now.
“The grass is always greener on the other side.”
Admit it. I thought about it too. We are all so obsessed with the affirmations and recognition from the world that we’re diverting away from what really matters in life. Comparing likes and comments with one another’s posts has now become a success indicator as we live in this 21st Century. Does it really matter though? So what if this other person has more likes than you? How much significance does a “like” even cost?
“I wish I had his/her life.” I bet some of you said this before.
The thing is, no one’s life is perfect. Even the most ‘successful’ person whom you know of, has probably gone through even more obstacles and challenges in their life. Some of you may look up to me (in the way) for my capability in doing a handful of things — but I have my own struggles too.
Social media has now act as a platform where most people only posts their glamorous parts of their lives, hiding away their vulnerabilities from the world. And even if they do share their struggles, it’s only within a small group of close friends. So why is sharing insecurities a taboo topic nowadays? Why is it difficult for people to acknowledge that everyone has their own struggles and that we should all start appreciating what we have?
Growing up, I learnt that being appreciative of life can help me live life a lot happier too. The fact that we’re alive and breathing right now, is something small, yet worth so much to be grateful for. Have you thought about it?
I realized this at the start of the Circuit Breaker. While I have always been occupying myself to do things even during my free time, it eventually became a habit and a coping mechanism for me to feel productive. Hence, everyday when I wake up, my mind would already start thinking about the tasks that I need to accomplish for the day. With this mindset, I have been living my past 19 years, neglecting most of the little things in my life.
Then comes the Circuit Breaker, where everyone’s locked in their own homes.
In the midst of adapting to the new changes and my daily routines, I have been reflecting and I cannot emphasize any further on how important it is to just stop whatever you’re doing right now, to think about what are you thankful for in your life.
“Count Blessings, Not Problems.”
Indeed, there are times when I would subconsciously compare my life with others and start being stressed about my own problems. However, I’m also starting to learn how to see “unfortunate events” as a blessing in disguise.
Even this COVID-19 pandemic — I used to complain for not being able to hang out with my friends anymore. It was during this period when I realize that it’s in fact the best time to start reflecting on our lives.
What really matters in life? What’s my purpose of living?
“We’re not born to pay bills and die.” Although life may not proceed to be exactly the way it was before after this Circuit Breaker, we have about a week to go before it comes to an end. Now, I would like to invite you to think about your life, and perhaps start doing something if you could. Time is ticking.
If you have been staying up all night with a poor body clock and what you need to do is to not do anything to have enough rest, go ahead.
If you have always been doing nothing except for studying, what’s next after this? Life’s not just about studying, you know right?
If you have always thought of accomplishing something, then why have you not started on it?
If you find yourself always lost and wasting your time away, start thinking about your life purpose, what do you want to achieve?
I hope that with this article, it can trigger as a reminder for you to start appreciating life more than just living as day goes by.
At Praxium, we’re passionate about enabling youth to discover their passion and find their path. If you need help finding your direction or looking for a community to explore some of life’s questions with, feel free to reach out on our social media platforms @praxiumsg, and/or join our telegram channel!
