I didn't make it to Day 30.
But here's why I don't see it as a failure.
For me, social media is like a sales guy you've invited into your home. Not the one trying to convince you that every neighbor on your street has gotten in on the deal but you, but a more convincing one. He’s persuaded you that it’s a good thing he’s there, in your house, staring you in the face, for a long time. He does, however, divvy out some pretty good jokes and even has you updated on all the latest hot topics in celebrity gossip. By now, you’re feeling really comfy and fully engaged with his pitch. It’s not until he shows you a video of his pet alligator dressed as a ballerina that you’re jolted back into reality. All at once, you realize how much this guy has taken up your time.
My time with social media tends to find a way to increase over time.
I don’t like spending too much time on my phone, but eventually, I get there. So again, I decided it was time to regain some of my freedom. I would take charge and break my nightly habit of death scrolling through countless reels.
The first week, I felt the urge to pick up my phone constantly, like an annoying itch that had to be scratched. I would grab it to open apps out of habit, only to quickly I remember that I had deleted them (kudos to my past self for looking out for future self). Things quickly changed, however, and the second week was quite different.
I seemed to naturally find other things to do without even being overly intentional about it.
I felt more present. I messaged a few friends to check on them and even went over to chat with a neighbor. I completed some school assignments early and most rewarding of all, I felt a lot more at ease. I wouldn't be the first to hear of the latest viral topics, but being from a small town, I knew that I'd get a call if anything went down. In addition, I also felt that "more productive" feeling that I was after. The kind that gives you a good ol' sense of satisfaction at the end of the day. My days slowed down a bit and I didn’t feel so rushed since I had time to finish tasks that I would normally put off.
And guess what?… I started a blog. So here I am, and here we are. I’m gonna mark that as a win. Probably just for me, but you get the point ;)
So where did I screw up?
Two ways. My family and I get a kick out of sending funny reels back and forth. I figured this family connection is where social media has its benefits, so I decided to watch any video I received, get a hearty laugh from it, and send off my crying emojis. The other was due to posting pics from a recent vacation and checking out the responses over a few days. Okay, so I totally could have sat that one out, but I've been pretty eager to update my profile pictures and I finally had some good ones to do so ;)
So, I didn’t hit my 30-day mark, but it was enough to break the itch for me.
I no longer have consistent impulses to check for the latest social media topic, and after sensing a greater connection with those around me, I hope to keep that to a minimum. My accounts will be active because it’s nearly impossible to go without them and be efficient these days, but I do plan to set boundaries in case my favorite smooth-talking sales guy tries to pull a fast one again.
In short, this was a good experience and I needed the reset. It was a reminder that social media has its proper place however..
..it shouldn't keep me from living in the moment and truly experiencing the world around me.
So choose your timing and give it a go if you’re up for the challenge. You might uncover new insights about yourself and the world around you!
Be well,
Mikki
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