Yesterday I read this great blog about how a woman got off her social media 2 years ago. No more Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. She recently reactivated her Facebook just for her wedding to share pictures with people who aren't able to attend, but she said she'll be off it as soon as the wedding is over. I have to say I remember over 8 years ago when I was first introduced to Facebook, I told my friend I wouldn't need it because I had Myspace! Does anyone still use Myspace??
First lets start with The Good. I have less than 100 friends on mine and 80% of that number is family. I enjoy sharing photos of my son and our family, since many of the people on my list don't live in the same state. I don't get political, religious, or outrageous on my page. I want it to be a positive and fun place to share the good things in our life. Not every moment is rainbows and unicorns but I choose to share whats good.
The Bad, the very first thing I do when I wake up is look at my phone. I check on Facebook, did anyone like my posts from the day or night before? What did other people post? Instagram, I check on all the pugs we are following and see if anyone has liked my latest Mugsy photo. Email, how many emails do I have? I need to delete the advertisements, spam the junk, and read anything that is essential. Throughout the day if I have a spare moment I'm looking on my phone. When I get in my car after a yoga class or just leaving a store, I do this routine all over again! How many minutes of my day am I spending on my phone?? I've heard so many times I should start enjoying the moments in my life instead of looking at my phone.
The Ugly, now my son is noticing. I can hear his frustration when he is trying to tell me something and I'm looking at my phone. The other day he told me he was thinking it wasn't fair how much I get to be on my phone and he isn't allowed to use his tablet during the week. The truth is he truly just wants me to pay attention to him more than my phone.
Yesterday we went out to breakfast in a beautiful mountain town and we went to a museum. I tried my best to stay off my phone and not document my entire day on Facebook. I'm not saying that is a bad thing to do but for me not reaching for my phone for a day was a struggle. Today I'm trying the same thing and making progress by still failing.
Please keep in mind I'm not saying social media is bad but at this point I feel like I need to prioritize what is important in my life today. I want to enjoy my moments with my family instead of focusing on taking that perfect photo. I want to use my time more wisely and get my eyes off my phone. I want to have real conversations when I go out with my husband, instead of us both looking at our phones. I know I existed just fine before these amazing phones that do everything for us. I looked at people, I got in my car and just drove. I didn't need my phone every where I went. So for now, its baby steps but I'm committed to try something new and maybe break up with my phone for a bit.
What in your life do you feel might be keeping you from enjoying people, moments, and life around you?
Oh I couldn't agree with you more, although ironically I found your post while I was wasting time on Facebook. I don't even enjoy social media that much, I don't feel like there's much positive energy to gain from it, but I have the same addiction. I need to work on this too!
ReplyDeleteI agree, I did see the irony in finding the first article on Facebook and posting this on Facebook as well :-)
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