I recently posted a family picture from our vacation to Nantucket. It was from a really fun moment in the driveway with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Many people were very kind to “like” the picture on Facebook and some even left sweet comments. I have done the same when I have seen other people’s family pictures on Facebook or Instagram. But viewing pictures on social media can trigger some very negative emotions as well.

My family picture was simply a snapshot in time—one moment from our trip—literally one second of our trip. I didn’t post a picture of us taking out the garbage, or when we fought or disagreed, or when we got to the beach a did NOT see any seals. Pictures do NOT tell the whole story, and social media is where people post their best second in time. Rarely, if ever, do you see their worst moments—but don’t think for one second they didn’t have them. They did. We all do. That’s life.

So if social media is bringing you down in any way, remember it’s a snapshot in time—a split second. Be happy for others and their happy moment, but know there is a lot more to the story. There is no such thing as a perfect life. Love your life as is, with all its “bumps and uglies”. The smooth road doesn’t exist; everyone hits a pot hole from time to time. And as we begin to see lots of summer-fun photos, remember there is more to the story then that one second in time.

With Gratitude,

Beth Fitzgerald