We are living in a superficial world. More value is placed on things like appearance and wealth than on what truly matters - the inside.
Have you ever stopped to think what it says about you as a person when you are more concerned with how much better your eyebrows are than hers, as opposed to how kindly you are able to treat others? Now I'm not tarnishing every woman with the same brush (sorry, but this is one for the ladies, as I find that our personalities falter more as a result) but as a result of embracing materialistic lifestyles we are effectively destroying each other.
My point isn't that we should stop taking pride in our appearances and accentuating our favourite physical features, or stop treating ourselves to nice treats. But I've had a gut full of scrolling through my social media, or the news, and seeing nothing but contoured faces and expensive clothes. It worries me that a vast majority of us don't seem to be concerned with who we are inside, and that furthermore nobody feels the need to improve upon themselves.
Contrary to popular belief - there is more to life than owning a similar outfit to Kim Kardashian. And there is much more to life than money.
Research has long shown that billionaires are not significantly happier than those who earn an average income. You might think that money can buy you everything - but it's been proven time and time again that true happiness is a result of healthy relationships, meaningful and challenging jobs, an interest in hobbies, and often a feeling of connection to something beyond ourselves. A self awareness.
When I scroll through Instagram and see a photo of a happy family or a couple in love, I double tap more often than not. Because it's posts like these that make me happy. Seeing and knowing that others are above materialism and placing value on things that money simply can't buy. What truly matters in life is beyond how well you can contour your face.
Something that really bothers me is how this obsession with materialism has lead us to compete against each other. I rarely see women complimenting each other unless it's the subject of a lipstick shade, or an item of clothing. You shouldn't be priding yourself on being awarded some sordid prize of 'Rear of the Year'. All it means is that your real qualities as a human being were overlooked for materialism. What matters is not what others think of you, but how you think of yourself. And if you base an opinion of yourself on the outfit you have chosen, you're in for a real shock.
It is human nature to criticse ourselves, have an inner voice that demands us to compete and change against others. This creates a warped self perception, only fueled by photoshopped images of our idolised celebrities, and competition from people who earn more than we do - that eventually leads to a discontent. The moment you realise that this isn't a competition for best dressed, you'll be happy.
What matters most is how you care, your morality, decency, compassion. Your experiences, your words, your ideas and innovation. The connections you have made to the people around you, and your place in the world; beyond the need to be on the guest lists. Spend time focusing on these things, and you'll find yourself in a better place.
