Here comes…the…

Status updates. With her new last name. And those cute custom hashtags dedicated to the newlyweds.

And who can forget the pictures, showcasing her new manicure color and of course, her sparkly new ring.

Yup, here comes wedding season 2017!

For some of us single gals, it can be discouraging scrolling down social media lane during the summer and early Fall months. It’s during this time when weddings and engagements seem to be the only stories featured on our timelines.

Between us, wedding season used to be a bit of an emotional roller coaster ride for me.

It’s not that I wasn’t happy for all the couples who were living out their fairy tale moments. I just couldn’t help but question when it would finally be my turn.

Maybe you know that feeling as well? Maybe you’re experiencing one of those gut wrenching lows right now?

Well, my sweet sister, I’ve got your covered!

I’ve put together the ultimate survival guide to help all of us not yet brides (that sounds way better than single, right?) to navigate the slippery slopes of social media during the next few months.

This may not be your season to tie the knot, but that does not mean you’ll have to wallow your way through it alone.

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Tip #1: Guard your heart. Your ears. And your eyes. 

Sometimes we underestimate how much social network sites can affect us both spiritually and emotionally. Our hearts and thoughts can go from happy and content to heavy and cast-down within minutes of browsing.

Resist the urge to go on a scrolling binge if all you’re seeing is wedding after wedding or engagement after engagement.

Instead, give your heart, your ears and your eyes (and your thumbs) a break by simply logging off.

Protect your peace. Filter the images you see and remind yourself often, that nothing is as picture perfect as it seems online.

Tip #2: Stop spectating and start enjoying your life.

A recent study revealed the average person will spend more than five years of their lives on social media. That’s an average time per day of 40 minutes on YouTube, 35 minutes on Facebook, 25 minutes on Snapchat, 15 minutes on Instagram and 1 minute on Twitter. *

Just think about it. What can you do with five years? Five years and 4 months to be exact! 

Why sit around watching what others are doing when you can experience life in real time?

You can travel. Volunteer. Discover a new hobby. Start a business. Do all the things you won’t be able to readily do when you have a husband or children.

Whatever you do, stop waiting around for a relationship and start living today. And as the icing on the cake, try leaving your devices at home.

Tip #3: Don’t let anyone make you feel bad about your singleness.

Few things can be more painful or irritating (depending on how you feel that day) than hearing any variation of the question, “So, when do you plan to sette down and get married?”

No matter how well intentioned the person might be, this conversation rarely ends in you feeling any better about your current relationship status.

It’s also a conversation you do not have entertain.

God has a plan for every one of our lives and it’s a plan that does not need anyone’s assistance or approval.

The next time someone approaches you with that question, politely suggest they take it up with the one who has all the answers.

Tip #4: Learn to genuinely celebrate with others.

So she’s getting married before you.

What happens if she has kids before you? Or gets a promotion before you? What if God decides to bless her with something you really want, before He does the same in your life?

How will you react then?

None of us will ever be able to fully understand God’s ways or His timing. We only know they are always perfect.

Holding on to that truth allows our minds to be free of envy or jealously.  It redirects our focus to our personal blessings. And most importantly, it opens our heart to genuinely celebrate when others are blessed.

Wedding season, or any season, does not have be a thing we approach with dread. We can confidently face each moment knowing God has already planned a beautiful ending to our story.

 

*Data sited can be found here.