Living Life

I get it.

Times get hard, family has its issues, friendships collapse and everything around you seems to just be falling apart. Add on top of that the constant distraction and reminder that “your life could be like this” from social media and you’re a powder keg of stress, jealousy and frustration ready to blow.

I struggle with comparisons with other people who I see on social media. I look at the high rollers, guys who are funny and use that skill to make millions, I’ve seen the Instagram models who can strike one sultry pose and then boom, they’re living it up it Cabo San Lucas. All of these beautiful, smart, funny and rich people seem to be cruising through life on auto pilot with no obstructions ahead of them; it’s just too easy.

Then I look at myself. And honestly, I don’t see the best parts of me.

There are days when I just don’t feel adequate, I feel low and like I haven’t accomplished anything; nor will I. I have a longing to feel that I can do something, that I have mastered something in a sense, yet, I’m still just lurching along. Like said before, I’m still a NoPro. I’d open my phone, scroll throw my apps and repeat the cycle until I had seen enough of other peoples’ lives to be satisfied, but still empty.

What do they have that I don’t? How can I get it? Where is it? What does it feel like?

I was searching for answers to my questions from people that I didn’t even know. I was comparing myself to others who didn’t even know I existed.

I was digging myself deeper and deeper into a hole of comparisons and I was about to lose sight of the surface.

But that’s not how it ends.

After absorbing my daily digital dose, I finally cranked my heavy head up from my phone screen and looked to the life that I was living. It was a gorgeous day outside. Some flirtatious cardinals were dancing through the air, the sun was high and bright, green grass shifted in the winds like ocean waves and there was Declan, rolling around with a smile on is face.

I looked up even higher and there was a well constructed roof over my head, a TV to my left, a couch beneath my buns and a bowl of gourmet ramen (made by yours truly) on the table in front of me. My phone vibrates and I have an invitation from my little brother, Jeremiah, to hop on Fortnite with my other brother, Jordan. I join, and the whole time we laugh hysterically, shout out ridiculous commands, squeal when a squad of John Wicks is rushing us, and most importantly we are enjoying what we have and who we have it with. We got the W, too.

It’s funny, how envious we people can become of one another. But what’s even better and so much more rewarding, is when we as people learn to enjoy ourselves. Your life (yeah, I’m talking to you, Phillip) isn’t meant to be lived from another persons body. No matter how hard you tried, when it comes down to it, you’ll never be anyone but you. So you might as well invest in yourself and give it all you’ve got!

You don’t need to be an Instagram model, Youtube star, a comedian or a glorified chef; you just need to be you. Look at the life you’ve got, find the good in it, because there is always good, and hold tight to that. Be happy, smile, appreciate the moments and what you have, because I can guarantee you, there’s so much more to experience in life.

Text that friend that you have and make plans.

Go on a date with your crush.

Cook that meal you’ve been dying to try, or take yourself out.

Take a nap.

Go on a vacation that fits your style.

Because at the end of the day, the life YOU decide to live, is the best life you’ll ever have.