Looking for Likes Closer to Home

mental wellness
Written By Randye Kaye

Your 3 minute SPARK* to Happier

STORY/PICTURE:

I gave myself a gift on my birthday this year. 

I stayed off of facebook for the day. 

Oh yes, it is so tempting to see how many birthday wishes appear on your timeline (“omigod, I’m so popular!)” - but this year it just seemed distracting, somehow. In past years I’d wanted to honor the online wishes with at least a “like” reaction to each one. I felt I owed every person at least that much for having taken the time to comment.

But this year, I stayed away, and looked for my “likes” closer to home. This simple shift made my birthday so much richer, somehow. 

This was not a big milestone birthday (I had that one last year), so I (secret of happiness ahead…) kept my expectations low and my gratitude high.

Flowers from my husband, hand-made cards from my young grandkids, calls from my son and my brothers, a visit from my daughter and the kids with one slice of carrot cake and a candle, texts from my best friends. 

It was enough. It was more than enough. 

Without the distraction of social media, it seemed somehow more pure, more meaningful.

Of course, I looked at facebook the following day, and that was fun. Posted a blanket thank you to all those who had been informed by Meta about my birthday, and took a moment to message me. Thanks!

But the actual birthday itself? That’s mine, and it belongs to the people right in front of me.

As an actor and author, I’ve been taught to read reviews with a grain of salt - and consider the source. So it is with “likes” and comments. And yet we can attach so much to that - how many Instagram followers? How many views of my Substack? It can be addictive.

The “likes” that come to use closer to home are the ones that really count. Even (maybe especially) on your birthday.


ACTION STEP: 

Note how much emotional energy you’re spending looking for love on social media. Channel that energy more often to the people right in front of you.


RESOURCE: 

Check out the book, How to Break Up With Your Phone, by Catherine Price

KICKASS QUOTE:

“In a world of algorithms, hashtags, and followers, know the true importance of human connection.” - Simi Fromen

*What's in a SPARK?

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  • Kickass Quote

Randye Kaye

Randye Kaye is a female voice talent for business and beyond. She is the author of two books; Happier Made Simple™ and Ben Behind His Voices. As an actress she has appeared in numerous theatrical, film and television performances. Randye is a keynote speaker on the topics of mental health, communication, and happiness.

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