Picture this: you’re in Auckland, wrapped in multiple layers of clothing, battling the relentless rain and frigid winds. Your umbrella is on the verge of giving up, and your socks are perpetually soggy. Meanwhile, on social media, your friends are living it up in the sun-drenched streets of Europe, sipping on Aperol Spritz and posing against stunning backdrops. Cue the painful pang of FOMO.
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the Auckland winter feels like a never-ending storm cloud, determined to rain on your parade. And while your friends are soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine, you’re left doom scrolling through their envy-inducing posts. Oh, the irony!
Scrolling through your feed, you can’t help but feel like the protagonist of some tragic rain-soaked rom-com, destined to wander the gloomy streets of Auckland while everyone else dances through European cobblestone alleys. It’s as if Mother Nature herself conspired against you, keeping you confined to this eternal monsoon.
But let’s face it: social media has a way of making even the happiest moments feel lackluster. Sure, your friends’ perfectly curated snapshots may seem like they’re living their best lives, but remember, behind those filters lies the undeniable truth: they too have their fair share of rainy days and mundane moments.
While we may find ourselves stuck in the dreariness of Auckland, it’s important to keep things in perspective. Here are a few key takeaways to combat the social media-induced FOMO:
- Embrace the Rainy Days: Auckland has its own charm, even when it’s pouring outside. Grab your raincoat and indulge in a treat at one of our cozy cafes (Orphan’s Kitchen, Little Bird, I’m talking about you), get lost in the museum, or put your raincoat on and get out for a walk – it’s actually not that shit. You might just stumble upon your own slice of magic.
- Disconnect to Reconnect: Take a break from social media. Instead of scrolling through endless travel envy, engage in activities that bring you joy. Play board games (rummykub and monopoly deal are a daily thing in our house right now), read a good book, or spend quality time with loved ones. Remember, real life happens offline too!
- Celebrate Local Experiences: Auckland has its own unique cultural scene. Discover local events, exhibitions, and festivals. You’ll find that there’s so much to enjoy right here where we are and there are amazing people in this town that put a lot of effort into bringing it to life. (The other weekend we went to see Dom’s nephew at a hip hop dancing fundraiser and it was so much fun)
- Appreciate the Power of Authenticity: Remember that social media is often a highlight reel of people’s lives. Embrace your own journey, imperfections, rainy days, and all. Your authentic experiences are what make your story truly remarkable.
So, my fellow Aucklanders, let’s raise our umbrellas high and reclaim the joy of being here, even on the rainiest of days. Social media may taunt us with glimpses of European adventures, but we have the power to find happiness in our own backyard. After all, there’s no filter quite like embracing the reality around us.
And who knows? Maybe one day, as the rain subsides and the sun peeks through the clouds, it’ll be our turn to share envy-inducing moments with the world. Until then, let’s dance in the rain and find solace in the knowledge that life, with or without European escapades, is pretty damn amazing.
