A couple of days ago, I watched a news story concerning Facebook and how other people’s posts affect our mood. It was a study done to see how much we compare our lives to other people’s lives – or their supposed lives according to their Facebook updates. According to the study, Facebook users decide how their life is compared to what they perceive their friends’ lives to be.
We all have those “friends” whose lives must really stink because they complain about their work, spouses, and children on every update. It is depressing to read. Then there are those “friends” who must have it all. They post about their wonderful home-cooked meals, all of the hours that they spend on the floor playing with their kids, and the amazing vacations that they go on. Envy and jealousy creeps in because you want to “be them”.
Sadly, neither side is being real but both sides are crying out for help.
This goes hand-in-hand with the blog post that I did called Organized Activity vs. Playtime.
Let me take some pressure off. There is more to being a mom than just sitting on the floor playing all day. I have talked several times on the blog about the importance of keeping a clean home, preparing nutritious meals, and giving yourself “me” time. Back to the word again…balance.
I hope this was a peaceful blog for you and seriously took a load off!
Back to Facebook. Those people whose lives look perfect, they aren’t. They simply feel they must uphold an image. Those whose lives look pretty bad, encourage them and pray for them. They are using Facebook to cry out for help.
For you, give yourself grace. Life is about balance. On Facebook, be real. Be honest with yourself. Life is hard sometimes and it’s okay to admit it. Share the joys but be honest in the hard times. You will be amazed at how you will bless others with your transparency.
Very interesting and very true.
Yes, I've been guilty of sharing when I have one of those rare days when dinner is cooking and I've had a great day with my kids. But usually its a post where I share that I want to sell my kids to the gypsies or sell my house because yet another appliance needed repairs.
Thanks for sharing this!