Gracie Girl Blog

The very first day and Sunday of 2017, somewhat on a whim, I decided to take a break from social media. I logged off snapchat and deleted the app, I deleted the facebook app  from my phone, and I logged off both my main instagram and horse instagram. The only social media I stayed on was my fitness insta account which has a super small following, and I really only follow fitness peeps on that one.

Today, I’m easing back into the world  of social media. Two weeks off was pretty much how I expected it to be. Hard at times, but overall a time (and battery) saver. I didn’t miss much, only one friend’s birthday, but she understood. It didn’t create some void in myy life that I think most people assume it would. It was refreshing.

I decided to go back on social media because while it can be tricky to navigate, it can also be a outreach. I can reach a lot of people through it, I like seeing what other inspiring people are doing, and I like to see the encouraging side of it and being a part of that. Some things like my uncle’s mission to trip to Brazil, or what close friends I don’t get to see often are doing, I like to see.

The first thing I logged back onto today was snapchat. And the first feeling I felt was jealousy.

I saw that two of my leaders were hanging out with two of my friends.

Not a big deal. But of course, in my head, I like to be dramatic about things and immediately jump to jealousy.

I saw one of my leaders at church today and she brought it up and was like “Man we totally should have invited you” and we talked some about the movie they saw.

In an instant, my jealousy was gone. Just by talking to her, I gained so much perspective. In reality, I’m so thankful for my leaders for pouring into my two friends who aren’t super close with the Lord. I am well aware they don’t love them or favor them more than me. They pour into me the same way.

But social media makes it so hard to believe there’s more behind a cute picture and caption. The screen only shows what people want it to. People don’t show the nitty gritty of their lives, and no matter how much I hear that, it still can be so hard to not compare myself to the highlights of someone else’s life.

So this is for all you teenagers who know this struggle all too well. Chances are, people don’t mean to leave you out. You will get left out, it’s part of life, but that doesn’t mean you are any less important or not fun to be around or insignificant. You are your same awesome self no matter what pops up in your feed and makes you feel otherwise.  I say this just as much for you as for me.

Maybe it is a good idea for you to take a break. I promise you won’t miss anything earth shattering. Some of my friends have deleted accounts completely, and then made new ones with a small following of close friends. Maybe you want to try that.

So what am I going to do? Well, I’m not quite sure yet. Definitely be less committed to checking insta and keeping snap streaks.  And focusing on social media being an outreach, instead of a way to show off my life highlights.

Comparison is the thief of joy friends. And the moment is really all we have, SO LIVE IN IT.

(PS. thank you Brie and Leah for being my inspo for this, I love you two so much<3)