Re-writing the “wrongs”

We all have different definitions of happiness, right?

Why then does society label people “wrong” when they make decisions for their happiness?

The lines that I often hear on Instagram reels are ringing in my head right now… You can never make everyone happy, so don’t even try. (That’s mindful social media use!) And yet society places this immense burden on individuals to conform, almost as if there are rules and regulations cast in stone.

If you complete studying, you must find a job immediately.
If you’re single, there’s something wrong.
If you’re in a live-in relationship, it must lead to marriage.
When you’re married, the big question is – when will you have a baby?
As soon as your first child is born, you’re expected to start planning baby number two. If you have a daughter, you need to try for a son and vice-versa. You do realise how crazy but accurate this sounds?

If your marriage or serious relationship isn’t working out, you messed up.
If you’re divorced, you need to find someone soon.
If you get a new job or promotion, you must get a new car, maybe move house too.
Oh, and of course, there’s body-shaming at every turn.

These myopic and archaic attitudes, sadly, still exist. People’s personal lives are discussed and dissected, often by those who know nothing about them. And for the record, knowing someone on social media, does not automatically mean you know them. There is a world that exists outside of check-ins, posed pictures, selfies and filters. Reality check.

Therein lies my biggest fear – that some people may become so overwhelmed with living up to the expectations of others and the perceptions created on social media, that they lose their self-confidence and forsake their happiness. Think about it… we have all seen it happen. Not everyone is as strong as they appear. But there is strength in numbers. Surround them with your love, not nasty comments.

Let’s talk more about love. Why are the masses not embracing and sharing the power of self-love? Is it still seen as selfish? Self-love means you value your own peace of mind over anything and that in order to be the best version of yourself, you do things that make you happy. Here too, it’s not about conforming to society’s standards. It’s all about you. You matter as an individual.

The words of author Mandy Hale come to mind. “Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person that you are.”

It’s as simple as that.

(Feature Image: Pixabay)