Travel and tell no one, live a true love story and tell no one, people ruin beautiful things. — Khalil Gibran
We are drawn towards things that are beautiful, nice and happy — best exemplified when we start clicking the like and love buttons in today’s social media-driven society. But have you ever thought how we are slowly transforming our lives into something that’s fake, pretentious and empty?
I like your travel photos and the way you’re slowly filling up your passport with stamps from all over the world. But I would like to know more about the ugly, tiring and stressful parts of your journey. Was the trip worth it?
I like your happy family photos and the way everyone’s huddled together, smiling in front of the camera. But I would like to know more about the dynamics of each family member. Are you even talking to each other?
I like your new gadget, new car, new house and the way you’re sharing it for all your friends to see. But I would like to know more about things you have to give up, sacrifice and scrimp on in order to afford that significant purchase. Are you debt-free?
I like your pre-nup photos and wedding videos and the way you and your partner have beautifully posed in each snap or angle. But I would like to know more about the ups and downs of your relationship and how you eventually ended up saying your vows. Would you still love him/her when things go sour?
I like your pregnancy photos and adorable photos/videos of your new bundle of joy, and the way you’re documenting milestones of your lovely child. But I would like to know more about your tricks in putting up with endless nights, hours of wailing and breastfeeding. Are you sleeping well?
We have become too obsessed with envying the outcome or the end result of things without even bothering to stop and reflect on the emotion that’s brewing. Was it even worth your time and energy to feel jealousy and envy, had you known about the behind-the-scenes and felt that, nope, I’m not ready to do that.
There’s no harm in appreciating beauty. At the end of the day, we as social beings, are meant to share joy and happiness in this world. But, before you hit that thumbs up or heart icon and you feel that tingling sensation that something’s lacking in your life, ask yourself — what lies beneath?