I’ve been loving the “You Look Happier” trend on Instagram, this is my version of that.
If you aren’t familiar with this trend it looks something like this:
A video of a person living their every day life plays in the background and the words “You look happier” appear over the video. It’s meant as if someone is commenting to the person in the video, “Hey, you seem a lot happier.”
The unspoken question is, of course, “What did you do?” or “What’s changed?”
Then, after a few seconds, new text appears on the screen. This is the first person’s response and it’s usually phrased like this: “Thanks, I…(fill in the blank)”. And then they fill in the blank with whatever it is that has made them happy.
Sometimes it’s funny like “Thanks, I started eating carbs again.”
Sometimes it’s deep, like a person reflecting on leaving a toxic relationship or sharing their journey with grief.
I’d like to think mine is somewhere in the middle. It’s not a joke and it’s not meant to be. But it’s also not that heavy.
It has been life changing for me though.
The idea of opting out, and choosing what I think on and what information comes in and out of my brain on a daily basis. And I can honestly tell you, I’ve been much, much happier.
So here’s my (written) version of the trend:
“You look happier.”
“Thanks, I opted out.”
Out of the algorithm and its constant demands.
Out of the 24 hour news cycle that’s meant to incite fear and hate.
Out of listening to people’s opinions on every single current event that happens.
Out of knowing about every single current event that happens.
I’m just opting out.
Instead I’m reading, writing, baking, snuggling my kids, enjoying my husband (who is a delight, by the way), homesteading, homeschooling, thrifting, preserving, resting, dreaming….and finding all the ways to keep my brain focused on the good, the true, and the beautiful.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me— practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Phillipians 4:8-9
And for the record- this is not an “I’m leaving social media” announcement. It’s simply an “I refuse to let social media dictate my mind, thoughts, and actions any longer and I’m going to do it my way from now on” revelation.