How long has it been since I started Instagram? Five years? Six years? I cannot remember. All I know is it has been a long time and two nights ago, I decided that was it and deleted the app. Then, I felt an immediate relief, as though I’ve been let go off a burden. The subsequent days without the app were surprisingly easy. I didn’t miss it or felt any withdrawal symptoms like re-installing the app and reinstating my account.
The only problem I had was removing my habit of opening the app every morning – that was difficult. Instagram had been ingrained in me so much, my eyes and fingers automatically darted around in search of the missing app.
Here’s why I decided to leave the app:
1. It’s a constant chase and questions of whose life is happier
I appreciated I could look back and reminisce the old days, how much I’ve grown and the places I have been. But more that than, the app is a constant chase of a materialistic life and a constant chase of having a life that looks better than the others. Looking at my friends’ stories unfortunately reminded me of the things I lack of although not necessarily the things I wanted or needed.
2. I want to live in the present
Now when I take a walk and whenever I caught a glimpse of a beautiful sky or what not, I can be 100% immersed with the scenery without feeling like I need to upload it to my story. I like that. I really love that.
3. I don’t feel good showing off my life
I don’t want others to think my life is better off than theirs. Everybody’s journey is different and that makes us all different. We cross paths and ultimately fulfil our own destination.
I don’t have plans to reinstate the app for personal use. I feel happy. I feel free. I just broke free from a prison filled with comparison and constant chase of materialism and the feeling is indescribable.
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