Jean Jacket: Madewell
Top: Bershka (bought in Spain), similar here and here
Sunglasses: Sunglass Warehouse
Belt Bag: c/o Moda Luxe (get 20% off with code RACHML20)
Wide Leg Corduroys: Topshop (old), similar here and here
Slides: bought in a boutique in Nashville, similar here and here
Finding happiness and joy can be hard. There can be so many things going on and in life we come across obstacles or life circumstances that can make it difficult to be happy and feel the joys of life. Sometimes, you even have to go through more challenges of life to even achieve happiness. I get it. But I also think as humans we may overthink and over analyze what happiness and joy is.
My Most Effective Method Of Choosing Joy
There is one method that I’ve always done that helped me find happiness. It has made it possible to see that choosing joy can be an easy option. I’ve used this method for years and honestly, it is why I am rarely comparing myself to others.
My most effective method of choosing joy is putting my blinders on. What I mean is I put my energy and focus on what I’m doing.
Comparison Is The Thief Of Joy
I believe that one of the biggest culprits of people not finding that happiness or joy is comparison. Comparison is the thief of joy. Remember that before you compare, everyone has a story and most of us are only seeing the exterior or a small part of the story.
I also have the mentality that if something LOOKS easy, flawless, and effortless, then that means it takes A LOT of hard work and time to get to that point. And we all don’t get to see the hard work and time unless we are with that person or individual every day.
In this day and age it is almost impossible to not see what other people’s lives are all about. Thanks to social media, especially Instagram. As a blogger, I am fully immersed in social media. But I rarely get envious of other people’s lives even if they are showing things I would like to have or doing things I would like to do.
Putting My Blinders On
My blinders keep me so focused on myself and checking myself on where I am. For instance, I would check if I met my personal goals? Did something good happen? Let’s celebrate my success(es)! And my favorite part is seeing how far I’ve come!
My blinders helped me realize I have a lot of good things going on for me despite my challenges (looking at you cancer). In return, it has helped me learn to celebrate other people’s successes too!
I’m Human
Now just because I have my blinders on doesn’t mean that from time to time I’d like to have something someone else has. After all I am human and it is important to feel your emotions. They help us get stronger, we just can’t let it consume and take over what really matters.
When I do get this way, I think about what I’ve done in my life. And I want you to do it too. Maybe even write it down because I bet you will be very impressed. It doesn’t have to be something extravagant. Just anything that you are proud of! And remember, we are always hard on ourselves. What we consider a small accomplishment may actually be a huge accomplishment to someone else.
Reason For This Post
I actually didn’t mean to write this post. However, this past week I’ve noticed on Instagram there were a few people constantly talking about how they need a break from Instagram because they either feel worse about themselves or have anxiety. To me, that makes me sad. Maybe because they don’t know how much they are valued. Social media should solely be used to be informed or inspire.
If you do want to take a break from social media, I shared these tips on how to ease into a social media break. I’m not a fan of going cold turkey. Maybe it is my experience, but easing into a change always seems to be the most effective. These practices are actually what I incorporated into my life daily so I have a healthy relationship with social media.
xo RD
I feel you in the part about comparison. At first it was so hard to not compare but it really does suck all the joy out of your life and keep you from seeing your blessings. I’ve gotten better about it, but still cautious about how dangerous social media can be without a healthy mindset!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
I’m so glad to hear you are getting better at it!
I really think that you hit the nail on the hammer right there. Comparisons are very unhealthy and while it’s natural for us all to do it, I think one of the things I have to consciously decide not to do, I do think it helps that I am not big on social media for anything other than fandom or complaining about things. I think that keeping the blinders is very helpful. Also, lovely pictures they look so artistic!
Yes exactly! Thank you Tiffany!
Love this post! And the belt bag is so cute!! 🙂
Thanks!
You are so right. The thief of joy is comparison so blinders are necessary to be able to not worry so much. Great post!
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
Definitely is necessary! Thank you Amy Ann!
You’re sharing good message here. I feel that sometimes too being envious to a stranger in Instagram and it’s really bad to feel that way but I learned that everything spectacular is orchestrated, we don’t really know how much effort they’ve done or spent to get that amazing picture. I don’t do cold turkey as well but I control myself just be on it for a few minutes every day and almost nothing during weekends. Thanks for sharing this thought, I like post like this.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you so much Mercy! That’s my exact thoughts. Everyone has a story. Either how they took the photo or to get to where they are.
Great post! Putting your blinders on is such a good idea to stay focused on yourself and not get caught into the comparison trap!
Jill - Doused in Pink
Yes!! It helps so much to focus on ourselves and celebrate our successes.
stunnning blog post! i love this
Jadieegosh Instagram HelpGrowYourBlog
Thanks Jade!
Inspiring post.
And I love the backdrop wall.
Cool and comfy look you’ve got there,
love it!
Ann
https://roomsofinspiration.blogspot.com/
Thanks Ann!
Dorot says
I think a lot of bloggers have problems with Instagram, because nowadays it’s more being an Instagrammer and additionally a blogger, than the other way around. I think what’s destroying their fun from using the App is that they’re in a hammster wheel of constantly ‘having’ to post instagram pics and creating an illusion that their life is perfect, when in reality it is not. I wish there was an account on Instagram that showed how truely life looks like.
Dorota
http://www.journalofdorota.com
Thank you for your insight Dorota! I personally don’t mind the curated feed. As I mentioned before, it inspires me. It’s all about how we should approach situations like this. I think sometimes people forget what they have and are focused on what they do have.
You’re so right and great for writing about this topic because so many of us are in search of true happiness.
http://www.fashionradi.com
So glad to hear you find this helpful!
Very interesting and positive message! I loved this outfit and you look great.
Nice Post! Have a great day!
Allurerage
Rampdiary
Thank you Jennifer! I hope you find it helpful!
Really love all your pictures! What a great topic, dear! You’re so right, comparison leads us nowhere and it’s simply wrong cause if we compare us and our achievements to others, we assume that we have the same preconditions as others. As we all are unique, that’s never the case - so blinders on and focus on the own life is the right way to go! Love this message.
lots of love, Miri
http://www.meetmiri.com
You nailed it Miri! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts!