A candid look at social media envy, self-doubt, and finding your way back to peace.
I don’t need a specific post to trigger me. The moment I open social media—be it Instagram or LinkedIn—I can feel it creeping in. Someone is getting married, someone just got a high-paying job at a top tech company, and someone else is buying a house in a city I can barely afford to visit. It doesn’t take long before my heart sinks and my thoughts spiral.
The emotions no one talks about
It’s not just envy. It’s a heavy cocktail of hopelessness and insecurity. I feel like I’m behind in a race I never signed up for. Like maybe I’m not good enough. That maybe my parents have quietly accepted that this is all there is—that their child just can’t measure up. These are cruel thoughts, but they don’t ask for permission. They just show up.
Fighting the spiral, thought by thought
Comparison is a nasty spiral. And once you’re in it, it can feel impossible to get out. But I’ve learned to confront my mind head-on. I talk back to it. When a toxic thought pops up, I challenge it: “Okay, mind, that was harsh. Got anything worse?” It’s like staring down a bully—and weirdly enough, it works. My mind quiets down. And in that silence, I find my grounding.
Coming back to my own path
Once I step out of the spiral, I remind myself of the truth: everyone is on a different journey. Social media is a highlight reel, not a documentary. I have no idea what goes on behind those polished posts. What I do know is that I’ve lived through some really tough moments—and I made it through. That counts for something.
5 practices that help me reclaim joy
- Switch off social media: Sometimes the only way to stop the spiral is to disconnect from its source.
- Remember my wins: I think back to the hard times I’ve overcome and remind myself of my resilience.
- Phone a friend: I reach out to someone I trust and ask them to tell me something good.
- Get into nature: Being outside helps me zoom out. I’m just a tiny speck in a vast universe—and that’s actually comforting.
- Congratulate others: I try to genuinely connect with the people I envy. More often than not, I find their lives are more complex than they appear.
If you’re feeling this too…
Let me tell you what I would tell my closest friend: you are not in a race. You’re here to live, to learn, to grow. When you complete your lesson and your karma, the universe will move you to the next chapter. I’m living proof of that. And if you need a reminder that every storm passes, read this: Every Problem is Temporary
You are capable. You are growing. And you’re doing better than you think.
The Strawberry and Chocolate Club 
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