Sometimes, I think scrolling through social media can feel miserable rather than leisurely, and that’s coming from someone who checks Facebook like it’s the newspaper and watches TikToks every day. Every time I log on, I feel like all I see is this perfect hair, people with skin that looks perfectly clear and almost glowing in its beauty and outfits that look like they cost more than my laptop. Then all of a sudden, it feels like my own reflection just isn’t enough anymore. You see, we’re so busy constantly comparing ourselves to the people around us that we often forget how to appreciate our own beauty.
I’ve fallen into this trap more times than I really want to admit. I catch myself looking at someone’s smile and start to wish mine involved straighter teeth and less gum. I scroll past their glowing skin and despise oily skin and pores I’m convinced are visible to anyone within a five-foot radius of me. It’s exhausting. You see, the truth is that comparison is like a black hole that just sucks away our happiness. It makes beauty feel like a competition instead of something we can experience and appreciate.
I know that breaking out of this cycle can be hard, but it’s also possible. The first step is noticing when you start to compare yourself to other people. When I catch myself doing it, I try to log off of my social media for a while and use that time to reflect. Would I rather feel jealous or grateful for what I have? When I can, I do my best to choose gratitude (though I’m human enough to admit that’s not always the case). It’s important to appreciate the small things that make us beautiful. For example, my cheeks have a little dimple when I smile really big, and my face turns red when I’m laughing myself to tears. These are good traits of mine, not some points on a leaderboard.
Social media doesn’t show you the full story. That “perfect selfie” you’re busy comparing yourself to usually comes after they’ve already tried fifty different times with different filters and better lighting. If you’re trying to be like that version, you’re chasing after an illusion. We need to remember that everyone has insecurities. That flawless photo might hide someone else’s stress, acne or exhaustion too. Comparison makes us forget the fact that, in reality, we’re all just human.
Next time you scroll, look for what inspires you rather than what makes you feel insecure and inadequate. It’s time you cherish your own traits and compliment yourself. The world is full of beauty, and it starts with recognizing your own.
