Minsan napapaisip ako: bakit ba natin masyadong niro-romanticize ang buhay ng iba?

Sa social media, andaming “perfect” moments. Aesthetic mornings. Calm routines. Lush travels. Beautiful spaces. Nakaka-inspire, oo. Pero minsan, parang nakakabigay din sila ng slight pressure? Dahil habang pinapanood ko sila, ako naman, nandito lang trying to build new habits while battling the old ones na ang hirap bitawan.

I tried waking up earlier, doing less doom scrolling, drinking more water, journaling again. Pero sa totoo lang? Ang hirap kaya. Hindi dahil hindi ko gusto, kundi dahil araw-araw akong nilalabanan ng yung feeling na mas madali kasi mag give up na lang. Yung sanay sa instant gratification, sa procrastination.

And then I realized part ng pagod ko, hindi lang dahil sa inner battle ko.
Pagod na rin ako kakatingin sa buhay ng iba.
Lagi kong iniisip: Buti pa sila.
“Buti pa siya, ang productive.”
“Buti pa siya, ang ganda ng progress.”
“Buti pa siya, ang linis ng space niya habang ako, sabog.”

Pero tanong ko rin sa sarili ko: bakit nga ba natin niro-romanticize ang buhay ng iba habang kinakalimutan nating bigyang halaga ang sarili nating journey?

What if… instead of chasing their version of “perfect,” I focus on my version of peace?
What if… instead of copying their habits, I honor my own timing?
What if… mas mahalaga pala yung tahimik kong effort, kahit hindi Instagram-worthy?

This week, I went back to my habit tracker. Simple lang. Walang design. Walang audience.
Pero it reminded me of my own life, my own pace, my own growth. And suddenly, I didn’t feel the need to compare. I just felt proud.

So if you’re feeling behind while watching everyone else live their “best life,” maybe it’s time to stop romanticizing them, and start romanticizing you.

Your tiny wins. Your slow mornings. Your brave little resets. Because your life, kahit simple, kahit chaotic, kahit hindi pa “aesthetic”, is still worth rooting for. ✨