I am somebody who has always enjoyed social media. I have used both Facebook and Twitter to connect with others outside of my home and school. I used Twitter for professional connections and Facebook for my social connections. Over the past year or so I have not gotten as much enjoyment out of Facebook as I have in the past. Truth be told, there are many times that I have looked at my feed only to find myself feeling upset or hurt by the posting of other people. I have spent much of this past week thinking about if it is truly worth it for me to stay connected through social media or should I just give it up. After much deliberation I have come to the conclusion that it is time to make a decision. Do I continue with social media or not? Today, I have deleted my Facebook account. In my deliberation I have come to realize it has taken me over and I need to get my real life back. I can sit in the car (as a passenger) scrolling through my feed. While I am seeing how everyone is spending their day, I am missing the world around me. As I am being digitally being connected, I am being physically disconnected from those that love me the most, my family. I probably know more about the neighbors troubles than I do about my grandson's milestones.
Today has been day 1 without Facebook. I have seen the benefits in such a sort time. I am able to stay tuned to a verbal conversation for more than 5 minutes. My conversations have been more reciprocal. I have learned that I can stand in the grocery store checkout line without scrolling through my phone and still survive. I have learned that I need to improve my phone listening skills because I have gotten so used to conversing through the computer or the app on my phone which means I listen with my eyes. I have learned that I have more time and I am better able to manage that time because I am not distracted by my phone. I let it suck me in and I'm taking my life back. Am I angry? No way! I actually feel a sense of relief.
My worries? How do I collaborate with my Instant Pot community and tap into those scrumptious recipes that are shared? I suppose there are other ways. Google or Pinterest is a great resource to find those recipes. And my LuLaRoe connections? (That's the one that really hurts.) Do I really need to spend all that money on clothes that will sit in my closet? No matter how many outfits I have, I wear the same things most of the time anyhow, why add to it?
Twitter is something that I have been able to use in moderation. I don't feel as though I am risking changing one social media addiction for another. Tonight I participated in a professional learning chat on Twitter. This lasted one hour. This was a healthy experience. I did not leave feeling frustrated or angry. Participants were able to engage without risk of being run down. Rather, I left feeling recharged and ready for a new week.
So with that being said, family and friends, I am back! I am going to be present with you. I hope it's as good for you as it for me.
