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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 27, 2017)
20 Wednesday, December 27, 2017 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Commentary... The curse of comparison By Audry Van Houweling, PMHNP Columnist It is human nature to compare ourselves against others. There has always been a pressure from genera- tion to generation to “keep up with the Joneses.” Of course, who the “Joneses” are has changed over time. For instance, you have had to replace those lovely harvest gold and avocado appliances once so chic with white or black and then to stainless- steel, and now somehow smart appliances that can order your milk for you. The way in which we compare has also changed. If we go back a century, our means to compare was based primarily on face-face interactions had with neigh- bors, co-workers, family members, and people within our immediate communi- ties. As transportation and media progressed, we gained greater exposure to different beliefs and lifestyles that we could then contrast against our own. The means for gos- sip and comparison contin- ued to expand with the tele- phone, email, the cell phone, the smart phone, and then of course, social media. For many of us, log- ging into our social media accounts has become as habitual and normalized as drinking water or eat- ing and in fact, without this ever-present doorway into each other’s lives, some of us can indeed feel deprived or disconnected. In this two- dimensional world, we are often presented with each other’s best moments — fil- tered, edited, cropped, and portraying a social ideal that is in many ways unattain- able. As we scroll through our feeds however, it is hard not to judge ourselves against the smiles, high- lights, and achievements posted by our peers. Furthermore, we feel compelled to capture the very “best” of ourselves and then measure our social standing by how many likes or positive comments we can collect. As a woman, I feel this phenomenon to be particu- larly pervasive. Women and girls are already expected to achieve unrealistic stan- dards; our tendency to peo- ple-please, hide from vul- nerability, and cover up our flaws is taken to a new level with social media. Many of us strive to portray perfec- tion in our appearance; per- fect family photos; our rela- tionships; motherhood; our impressive exercise routine; and our financial success. In the end, our need to compare and attempt to keep up with the Joneses comes from a deep need for valida- tion and acknowledgement. Everyone wants to feel important and noticed from time to time, yet in put- ting forth an edited and Smile in Comfort Dentures starting at $850 Free consultations! 541-549-0929 — 36 years experience — LOCALLY OWNED The Center Foundation will be conducting ImPACT Concussion Baseline test- ing for children ages 12 through 17 years who have not already received the baseline in the past two years. Group testing will be on Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at 10 a.m. and Monday, January 15, 2018, at 9 a.m. Baseline tests are held at The Center, 2200 NE Neff Road in Bend. According to the CDC, concussions are second only to auto accidents as the leading cause of childhood injury. It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of high school athletes receive a concus- sion in any given year, and if an athlete returns to play before the brain is fully healed, the child is at risk of second impact concus- sion syndrome. The Center Foundation is pleased to offer this community ser- vice as a means of helping protect young brains. It is recommended that student athletes have a baseline test every two years. ImPACT Concussion Baseline test- ing is a computerized “snapshot” of how a child’s healthy brain is functioning; the test takes less than an hour. The baselines are NOT MRIs or scans. Baselines are electroni- cally stored for use in the event that the child receives a concussion. Should the child suffer a concussion, he or she will then be able to have the baseline compared to a post- test conducted by a medi- cal professional following the injury. Post-concussion tests and assessment will be handled through par- ent or guardian self-pay or insurance. The cost of the baseline is $15. Registration for the baseline test is required; contact Lauri Bonn at 541-322-2321. Sarah Conroy, Chiropractor Schedule online! Prevent • Heal • Feel Better P Est. 2002 Refresh and Renew ers Owned in i the New Year with Sist Chiropractic Care. Call 541-588-2213 392 E. Main Ave. | www.sisterschiropractor.com Located within Bigfoot Wellness Shena Fields LMT#7439 | Harmony Tracy LMT# 21211 152 E. Main Ave. • 541-549-8771 Jeff • Theresa • Ann • Jamie • Shiela • Terri • Shanntyl • Brittany e of lov or A lab SISTERS DENTURE filtered version of who we are, the acknowledgement we receive can feel shallow and dissatisfying as we con- tinue to trade an idealized image for authenticity. This can ultimately be isolating, especially if the allure of the two-dimensional world supersedes opportunities for three-dimensional, face-face human contact. Using social media as the platform for self-por- trayal can ultimately rob us from the feeling of being truly known for who we really are. Thus, despite our widespread connectivity, many of us continue to feel lonely, misunderstood, and unfulfilled. Bringing awareness to our social media habits is a crucial first step to mak- ing change. A social media hiatus can be very refresh- ing. Recognizing the fal- lacy and unrealistic stan- dards portrayed on our social media feed is impor- tant. Prioritizing face-face relationships where you can express the totality of who you are is paramount. Appreciate the achievements of others, but embrace your own uniqueness. Be the best version of yourself — not someone else. Schedule baseline concussion testing s Siste e r d! n Ow “O little town of Bethlehem How still we see thee lie Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting light.” 541-549-6471 | 35 Years Experience | Peter Herman, Owner • Locally owned and operated • Large natural & organic selection • Meat cut & ground fresh daily • Huge bulk-foods department • Only 20 minutes from Sisters Located in the Cascade Village Shopping Center, Bend Open every day, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Happy New Year! From all of us at Hours: M-F 8 to 5, Sat. 8 to 4:30, Closed Sundays 440 N. Pine St. • 541-549-8141 • www.hoyts.net
