Focus on your own journey

I have said this severally on and off social media, “never envy the glory if you don’t know the story” This popular saying is a reminder not to be envious of other people’s success because what you see is only the final outcome, not the struggles, sacrifices, and hard work that has been put into their success. We must show gratitude for our own journey and understanding that others’ achievements are built on a foundation of their personal “story” of overcoming challenges.

The social media provides an avenue to live in a make believe world, in it we live a fantasy which in most cases is in sharp contrast to what obtains in real life. The pictures and the reels are often carefully selected, few of them reflect the posters’ reality, others tell a lie to bring a phantom lifestyle to reality. Sadly a lot of people get depressed drooling and fantasizing over other people’s lives rather than focusing on theirs. You may be in a better position that the person you are envying on social media.

The recent publicizing of Senator Ned and popular talented actress Regina’s marriage travails lays credence to the adage “all that glitters is not gold”. A lot of our young women glorified and fantasized about the glitz and glamour of that union, while their issues is not peculiar to the wealthy and powerful, it highlights the importance of prioritizing genuine personal connection, understanding and tolerance over money or looks. The rich also cry, whether in a Rolls Royce or bicycle, crying in or for a relationship is always painful. Who would have thought that Regina will willingly walk away from her life of power and affluence. This underscores the importance of happiness and peace of mind over wealth in a marriage.

Mothers and daughters should never disregard their husbands’ and fathers’ opinions when it comes to selecting a spouse. Men are often more perceptive of potential pitfalls and are less likely to be swayed by emotions or material wealth, particularly when it concerns what is best for their daughters. Regina’s father initially disapproved of the marriage, and as a man, he recognized the errors that were being made. He correctly analyzed and predicted the inevitable outcome. The seeds of failure were sown when the father’s warnings were ignored, and his wholehearted blessing was not obtained.

Finally, to our young people, it is essential to recognize that the majority of the lifestyles presented on social media are unsustainable. It is foolish to aspire to emulate someone’s meticulously planned and staged photo sessions as a permanent lifestyle. Individuals often go to great lengths, sometimes compromising their values, to capture appealing images. From exotic locations to extravagant events, it can be very expensive just to get a few reels and photos, this may be unrealistic and impossible to sustain over a long period of time if you don’t have huge endless resources at your disposal.

Do not let the sometimes sordid display of wealth and fameon social media depress you, the beautiful and exotic images in most instances depict less than a fraction of the posters reality. They are carefully curated like a well scripted movie to impress, entertain or deceive their audience. If you experience their real life away from the camera, you may not wish it on yourself and even your worst enemy. Life is not a competition, we are all on an individual race, everyone travels at a different pace to a different destination, find and embrace yours. Focusing on your own journey will make it comfortable and get you there faster – Sir Stanley Ekezie

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