Day 19 - Giving Up Social Media
I haven't been on one social media platform for approximately five days. J and I made the decision to utilize Lent as an opportunity to give up something that does not bring any real value to our lives, social media. On Ash Wednesday we made this decision, but J's birthday was the day after, and I had been wanting to make a birthday post for him for a while, so we made that essentially the only exception.
My realizations boil down to understanding what a distraction social media is on a regular basis. For instance, previously, every chance I got, I would open my phone, and my thumb would automatically rest on the app subconsciously intended. It wasn't even a real thought in my mind; it would just happen when my brain sensed a gap in amusement / entertainment. Which I realize can become so detrimental in remaining present and cognitive on a daily basis. So, now, instead of automatically clicking open my phone and going to an unintended app, I can presently think about what I want to do next and even remain bored in the moment.
I also don't waste nearly as much time. I actually do the things I intend and set out on doing, instead of doing one thing and then convincing myself I've worked too hard and need a break. I just get my tasks done with slim to no distractions. My time constantly feels productive which I realized I haven't felt, really, ever before.
One of my greatest realizations is that I can reclaim my imagination and creativity. Our childlike mentalities are what kept us young and inquisitive. As a child, we were endlessly creative and able to entertain ourselves with any materials we could find. I remember checking out 7 books from the library per week because I would lay on my floor reading for hours each day. I would draw pictures and play pretend by tapping into my imagination any chance I could. I was active outside playing soccer or using my swing set or riding my bike. I was constantly furthering myself as a person (a little person), because that's naturally what kids want to do.
I have realized that remaining present and maintaining my abstinence from social media will allow for me to tap back into this mindset and ability. I can create more than I consume and regain abilities and hobbies I might not have considered due to the distraction of TikTok or even YouTube. It's such an amazing life to live but unfortunately majority of people today don't live it to the fullest.
You don't want to be living a half-life. I don't want to be half of me. I want to be all of me that I can be. I want to find inspiration through myself, not others. I want my habits to regard my daily life, and my daily life to regard my thoughts; not someone else's I see online.