I told myself last year that I ‘shouldn’t have to post anything about giving up social media’ for Lent. I told myself that social media is superficial in the long-run, and I shouldn’t have to explain to someone why I didn’t see their tag, like their post, follow them back, or reply to their DM. But an anxiety rises in me now as I enter into my fourth Lenten season without social media.
Our generation—and our developed world, really—puts a lot of weight on social media both as a means of communication and as a platform to “keep up.” So much of our perceptions are rooted in what we see as we scroll mindlessly double-tapping, laughing, creeping, and criticizing the posts that we see.
Lately, I’ve been feeling a detraction from my attention due to social media overload. Sometimes I feel like I am constantly reaching for my phone to check a notification and I get sucked in. Sometimes I’ll sit on my phone and read about other people’s lives and accomplishments and their messages to “get out there” or “put your phone down,” and I’m doing just the opposite. And it doesn’t help that Apple has created a weekly report of screen-time; every week I exhale relief when the percentage goes down, and feel shame when that number goes up.
I think there can be an equilibrium between “keeping up”/staying connected and spending a healthy amount of time away from your phone/social media. But right now, I feel distracted and addicted to my phone. I love memes, I love astrology posts, and, of course, I love seeing so many beautiful people fill my feed with their own happiness and experiences. However, I’ve been long awaiting this Lenten season to keep me committed to putting my phone down.
In this six-week period away from Instagram and Twitter (Facebook must be maintained due to my Yoga Teacher Training—but I will steer clear from my feed), I hope to reconnect with myself and my intentions that I set for the year 2019. I didn’t share those intentions publicly, but I will now, as a way to remind myself of them and hopefully inspire you wonderful folks who have 1) decided to read this post, and 2) have actually made it this far.
Be slow to judgment, quick to understanding.
Be slow to anger, quick to kindness.
Have an attitude of gratitude.
Less complaining.
Treat your mind and body the way you want your mind and body to treat you.
Be present in every action and interaction.
Some new ones that I’m adding:
Shed the shit.
Focus on what you can do, and find ways to grow in the things you’re still working on.
Appreciate yourself.
Write something—anything, at least once a day.
Break down “barriers” that inhibit your full potential.
Less over-thinking, more trusting yourself.
Cultivate the gifts that are innate within you.
These are things that I’m hoping I can develop myself and my mind around in the absence of social media. I want to relight the positive energy within myself that I live to illuminate in the world around me. I will also try to commit to one blog post a week, if not for you, then for myself, as a way to address challenges and acknowledge growth. This will be my map which marks my route from stop stressing to start embracing my life, the opportunities that I have been abundantly blessed with, and the relationships that continuously encourage, affirm, and empower me.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Off of the Deep End 