What If We Don’t Tell Social Media Everything
What if we do something amazing, and don’t share it on Facebook?
What if we watch a beautiful sunset and don’t immediately share it with Instagram?
What if we have a fantastic snarky reply to the latest, dumbest comment on Twitter and keep it to ourselves?
What if we have 30 minutes to spend with our kids and don’t seek out the best DIY idea on Pinterest, but instead do something goofy of their choosing?
What if we forget about social media for even just one day, and live every single moment just as it comes to us–happy, sad, frustrating, laughable–without sharing it with anyone other than those right next to us?
What if?
I used to fast from Facebook on Fridays, all year long. It was an extension of my Lenten fasting from Facebook. Friday morning would roll around, and I’d want to check up with the world on FB, but then I’d remember my fast, grumble a bit, and then move on with life. You know, those Fridays were some of my most peaceful and productive days, ever.
This morning I read a blog post which inspired me to get back to my social media fasts on Fridays. Andrea is cutting ties for 9 months! I can’t go to that extent (because I’m committed to the Blessed Is She team, and we use social media! My posting days are not Fridays, though, so that’s a win!), but I am going to leave the social media behind on Fridays. Maybe other days, as well…and I definitely want to stay away from social media in the mornings as much as possible. It’s such a life-sucker, isn’t it? My mornings are more peaceful without the phone/computer/iPad nearby (unless I’m searching for a recipe for later that day). I have a feeling that stepping away will also help me in my quest for simplicity in my days. Not checking up on all the news feeds leaves space in my head and heart for the little people right in front of me, the daily to-dos which must be done, the unexpected things that always pop up. Leaving social media for other times means my head isn’t already swirling with friends’ updates, news from the world, silly quizzes which demand you find out which state you are most like.
What if we stop sharing every moment, every best thing, every gripe, every ounce of energy on the internet, and save our stories for when we see our friends in person, or actually talk to them on the phone?
This is a great idea for Fridays – thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Laura! I hope you have a great week, and peaceful Friday if you leave social media behind, too! 😉
I absolutely love this reflection! Even though I blog, I’ve tried to keep my distance from many types of social media. I tend to ignore all (okay, most – sometimes I’ll post some pics on Instagram or glance at FB quickly) social media on weekends…and it fills our weekend family time with so much peace. I like your idea of fasting on Fridays!
Thanks, Stephanie!! It is great to reap the benefits of peace, isn’t it?
So glad you stopped by! Have a lovely week!
Love this, Gina. I get it, I really do! What moments will I learn to keep for myself, to savor?
My prayer journal is one of those places. I think I’ve shared excerpts on my blog a few times, but for the most part it’s a little secret place for God and me.
A prayer journal! I love that idea.
This was hard to read, yet needed! This summer I have stepped away more from blogging and social media to be more present to my family. Sometimes it is hard and other times it is liberating to just enjoy the moment and not think “I should blog/post/IG about this.” A Friday fast may be just what I need. 🙂 Thx for sharing!
If you do go the way of a Friday fast, let me know how it goes for you!