Reevaluating
It's the first day of the new year, and while I normally don't make resolutions (because like the other 99.9% of the resolution-makers out there, I don't follow through), I'm making an exception this year.
My resolution this year is this:
*I am going to give up social media for at least six months.*
I've done it before, so I know it's not an impossible task. I also know how it changes things for the better, at least for me. I can see the negative impact it has in my life, and I'm ready for a change.
I read this article, and I realize that, given the outlet (a listening ear or reading eyes, as it were), I can be a really negative person, and I can honestly say, I didn't used to be. And I miss that gal.
Unfortunately, for me, social media (Facebook) is a huge outlet for negativity. I read other people's grumbles and complaints, I view article after article listing the wrong things in this world, and my head and heart start to justify my grumblings. The voice I hear whisper softly to me says, "Hey. It's ok. Go ahead. Write a post about the bad day you've had. There's no reason you should find the tiny spark of joy and focus on that when others will understand your horrible moments. Post away." And when I give in and spew out my sucky attitude, I'm really saying that it's ok for others to do it, too. It's ok for us all to ignore that verse that I'm so quick to speak to my children. And, that makes my heart hurt because I've been such a hypocrite. Thank you, Lord, for giving me clarity. Help me change.
Another thing I've noticed is that I am truly addicted to Facebook. Not in a "I'm going to die if I don't read one more political post or see one more picture of fluffy bunnies sleeping in glasses" way, of course. The reality is it's much simpler than that. Although I like the knowledge, the input, the pictures, and the videos, and I really like keeping up with my friends and family in such an immediate sort of way, at the end of the day, it's the "high" I get. Y'all, this article blew me away with every bit of truth it held, and if you haven't read it, at least skim down to the part about how a chemical is released in your brain every time something new is on your Facebook feed. I can't tell you how many times I click on the FB app to see what's up. What's new. What's happening. Instead of giving my children my focus when they're in the room, I'm clicking that refresh button to see if I missed something important. Something life-changing. Something funny or cute or irritating. It's an addiction, plain and simple, and I don't know about you, but for me, dropping something completely is the only way I can truly quit when it's necessary. "All things in moderation" is a fine and dandy quote, but it doesn't apply to me. Just ask The Husband about my love-affair with those jalapeño-cheddar-flavored Cheetos. Can't. Stop. Eating. Them. I just can't, y'all. :(
(Picture source: fritolay.com)
It boils down to self-control. And, I apparently have none when it comes to Facebook (or those Cheetos).
So, because I see the area I'm struggling in is affecting my attitude, which affects how I interact with my family, I need to give it up. I need to put it away.
I do know myself well enough to see that I still need a verbal/creative outlet of some kind, so I will continue posting here on my blog all of my thoughts and ideas and questions and, of course, pictures of the kids (because I know that's really why people head over here ;)). If you're interested in keeping up with the goings-on over this direction, bookmark this blog (or friend my mom on FB because she's kinda my number one reader and will pretty much share anything I write. Thanks, Momma, for always believing in what I have to think/say/write, etc.).
I wish you all a truly remarkable (in the best sense of the word!) year, and I hope we can look for the blessings more than the curses each day along the way.
Happy New Year!
OK. I know you need to do this, so I'll keep letting my world know about your posts. I, too, spend too much time on FB, but I would miss the interaction and prayer requests from my classmates if I gave it up. Love you.
ReplyDeleteI will miss your posts and our discussions- I always do when you take a FB time-out- but I understand. I used to feel like that, the constant need to keep checking. I got out of the habit whenever I had puppies to foster- they take up so much time and keep you so busy and that's what had to "give" for me. Now, I go out-of-town for a weekend here and there, and don't feel the need to check it or keep tabs. I don't even look at it on my phone because of the data usage. When I'm home and on the computer, I find myself increasingly bored and annoyed by the "internet" as a whole. But I understand being home alone with little ones all day, that outside contact with other adults is precious and very appealing. I don't think you're "rants" or "venting" were every really that, or even that bad... I've seen worse. But I know where you're coming from. The few times I've expressed frustration over finances or being alone over the holidays, the outpouring of friends wanting to help was a little embarrassing- so I quit doing that! and I try to only post positive, uplifting stuff, being conscientious of my varied range of readers, their ages, beliefs, etc...
ReplyDelete-Jennifer
I think that's how it always starts out for me. I miss the adult interaction, and it's always so nice to be able to chat with other gals out there in the thick of it (and to other gals who are in completely different stages of life, so I can live vicariously hahaha!).
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