Instagram-Proof Your Soul

Maria V. Gallagher outlines three ways to overcome envy on social media.

It was one of those days when I lingered too long on social media. I came across a post from a reality TV star who had just purchased her second vacation home.

I mused about how wonderful it would be to have a second vacation home. Or a vacation home. And there, between the breathtaking views of a lakefront hideaway, I found that old nemesis, Madame Envy, bubbling up into my consciousness.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s second vacation home, or her first, or her Instagram feed … the list of things I was longing for seemed as endless as social media arguments over politics. The list just kept going, and going, and growing …

At this point, I clicked off Instagram, realizing that my dawdling had jeopardized my spiritual growth. Perhaps you, too, have seen a reappearance of Envy, lurking around your social media accounts.

I have come up with three ways to overcome envy spawned by a sojourn on social media. I hope these tips and tricks will help you as well. Together, maybe we can leave Madame Envy behind once and for all.

Adopt an attitude of gratitude. Each evening, as I examine my day, I think of the many blessings that have flooded not only my social media feed, but my offline life. It is difficult for me to complain when I think about my lovely daughter, my rewarding job, and my incredible friends. And that list doesn’t even include the occasional specialty coffee drink.
Strengthen my trust in the Lord. I recognize the fact that God has provided for me — exceedingly well — all my life. I do not have to become a luxury home lottery winner to hit the jackpot. I have found it — in God’s warm embrace. He knows exactly what I need, when I need it, and He provides it. What more could I ask for?
Place definite limits on my social media-gazing. Once I get caught up with work, family, and friends, it is time to sign off. Full stop. Mindless scrolling can eat away at my soul. Far better to have some face-to-face time with the ones I love, rather than spend time make-believe real estate shopping.

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Is Envy lurking around your social media accounts? Try these 3 steps. #catholicmom

These steps may seem simple, but they have been profoundly helpful in saving me from the green-eyed monster that is Envy. I say goodbye to her with a click of my cursor and a prayer that God will grant me the serenity to accept the thought of vacation homes that I will never own, and the wisdom to know my lack of material wealth does not make me any poorer in His loving eyes.