Just a Few Days Without Social Media…

I have taken breaks from social media many, many times over the years. I always go back. Sometimes the same day. Sometimes I will manage to have days, weeks, or even months without it. But, I always go back.

There are definitely positive things about social media. I connect with my friends. There are old friends that I may not have had contact with had I not found them on social media. I meet new people with whom I have things in common. I am able to learn new things and learn about resources that I might not have known about. I am able to share things that are important to me, that I’m proud of, that I create, and things that I’m learning. Social Media can be a healthy outlet. I am able to share about Jesus, His Word, what He’s teaching me, and how He has changed my life. Friends tell me often that they really appreciate the things I share. I’m told often that my honesty and vulnerability has helped them in some way.

I’m just wondering if any of that is worth it.

I’ve noticed some pretty important things this time around.

1. I am so productive without social media. There have been many, many things on my list that I have needed to do (for months) that I haven’t “gotten to.” I’m realizing now that it’s because I’ve been so distracted. Yesterday I finally got Karis’s transcript done. I finally made dental and vision appointments. I finally finished my container garden. I finally got the front yard cleaned up and looking nice the past few days. Robert and I have finally been working on the back yard (it’s in bad shape and may take a bit to get to a good place, but we have been getting so much done on it). I have been baking more again, which brings me so much joy. I have had time to work on school plans for the fall. I’ve been keeping the house clean. I am also able to focus more on the task in front of me. Reading is easier. Writing is easier. Working on the things that I need to work on is so much easier.
2. I’m not constantly looking at my phone when I’m spending time with my family. I’m more intentional and focused. I hear people when they are talking to me. I notice myself picking up my phone a lot out of habit, but then I’m able to put it back down when I remember that I don’t really have anything to look at. I don’t feel the need to carry my phone everywhere I go, except to listen to music or podcasts.
3. I fall asleep so much more easily. I am no longer scrolling in bed for hours. I’m no longer anxious as I lay in bed trying to fall asleep.
4. I can hear my own thoughts and opinions. I have let the opinions of people on social media run my life for far too long. I’m able to realize what is important to me and why, and I’m able to live that out without feeling like I have to explain things to people. I’m able to clearly realize that I LOVE being a hippie. Haha. I love making things from scratch, being outside, working on my homestead, and even using herbal remedies (in addition to meds, because I know what has been life-changing for me). I know that I feel my best when I’m not drinking soda, or at least not drinking much. I know that I feel my best when I eat mostly whole/unprocessed foods. But I also know that balance is key for me in these areas.
5. My anxiety has been lower… partly because of not staring at a screen all day, but also because I’m not reading and watching the hatefulness that people have for each other constantly. The drama on social media is so palpable. People will say things through their phone or computer that they wouldn’t say to someone in real life.
6. Along those same lines, I’m not comparing myself to others. I’m able to truly see what’s important to me and why, and I’m realizing that the things that I am doing are what work best for me! I often find myself pulled in different directions because it works for others, then I realize I just wasted time and energy on a rabbit trail that wasn’t for me or my family. Some of those things are homeschool curriculum/philosophies/methods, a specific way to take care of myself, and more. I often also look at others’ body composition changes, etc, and feel like I’m not doing things right… even though I’m doing SO well with my health.
7. Sometimes I find myself taking pictures of something out of habit because I want to post about it on social media. I am still catching myself doing that. So, instead, the past few days, I have shared it with friends or family that I know will care! It definitely helps me look at my motives for why I post things as well.
8. At the end of the day, “connection” on social media isn’t really connection. We only see a little tiny picture of others’ realities. It’s not truly real. True connection is spending time with someone in person or even talking with them one-on-one through text or on the phone. I think the people that I don’t connect with in these manners are maybe people I’m not meant to connect with.

I’ve had friends ask me to not delete my social media because they love to see what I write, but I know that I have to do what is best for my brain and my life. I really think it might be worth disconnecting from long-term.

I’m praying through it and thinking of possible alternative solutions, but I’m leaning towards getting pictures and things off of my social media that I want to hold onto, getting contact info from the people that I want to stay connected with, and getting rid of it all. I will definitely keep my blog! I love to write, and this is not something that I spend hours every day on. But, I don’t want to make a decision impulsively. I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons carefully and make a decision that I can live with long-term. I don’t want to regret my decision.

I’m going to finish this post by just reflecting on the amazing life that God has given me. I’m so grateful. He has basically made my desires and wishes happen. It has been a long-time coming, but the wait has definitely made me truly appreciate it every single day.

• Our family lives in the mountains of Colorado!
• We are at an amazing camp that has really great work/life balance and who puts the staff and their families first.
• Our needs are met better than ever before. Not only financially, but also with the amazing medical and mental health resources that we now have.
• I am able to work a flexible part time job that is fun and not stressful! It provides for our family financially, gets me outside, allows me to work with some amazing people, but isn’t overwhelming.
• The kids are also able to work year-round which is huge!
• I am homeschooling the boys! I LOVE teaching them.
• My brain is more stable than ever before (I do have off days/weeks at times, but I’m doing much better overall).
• I am consistent with nutrition and movement and have been for months now. It feels much more normal at this point which is key for sustainability! I have learned that consistency is NOT perfection which helps keep me moving!
• I’m able to appreciate the little things and how important those are. Little things are big overall.
• I love our home! It’s perfect for us!
• I love our little growing homestead. I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to do this again. I wasn’t sure if it would be possible.
• I have amazing friends!
• I have grown so much in ways I never saw coming.
• I am so grateful for stability.
• I’m so grateful for options and resources that I’ve never had before.

I’m going to go work on some things now!

I have more to post about later. Keep checking back!