So, 40+ days ago, I fought with myself on what I was going to give up for Lent. I always find a way to celebrate by giving something up, not because it’s sinful, or it’s bad for me, but because I find that it is distracting to my daily life, and takes away from my personal time and growth, and my family. I first said social media, then decided I liked it too much and instead would do 40 days of giving. Giving of my time, my personal possessions, etc. But the next morning, I went to work excited I wasn’t giving up social media, and my co-worker said she had deleted social media from her phone. Hmmm, there it was again, so we decided as a work team to give up social media.
I did not get on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or LinkedIn. (There was one time I got on LinkedIn to post a job I am hiring for, but other than that, no social media). I did not delete the Facebook Messenger App or Pinterest. Funny, my phone told me Pinterest in social media. But I felt since I wasn’t connecting to that like the others, I was ok to keep it.
Here’s what I did not miss, I didn’t miss having my phone on the table at dinner. I didn’t miss amidst this COVID-19 Pandemic, seeing the same pictures of empty shelves at WalMart. I didn’t miss feeling like I had to post all the time. At first it was really hard, I thought “the world needs to see this great picture of the sky in my front yard because I’m #blessed” or “everyone needs to know how much I love my [husband/daughter] for their birthday and our anniversary that I missed while on a social media break.
Here’s what I did miss…4 births, 3 boys 1 girl, congratulations!! I missed 3 engagements, I’m so happy for you! Adoption of puppies/dogs/cats/and a rabbit, welcome to the family! I missed people losing family members, from old age to suicide to the loss of pregnancy. I am so sorry for your loss.
I learned who wanted to be connected with me. From long talks on the phone to taking walks to meeting up to catch up over wine and pizza. Texts and messages were awesome. Thank you for showing me that you value me and our friendship, not just through social media.
It’s what we do to be connected. To keep our friends in our lives and to share the good things we’re going through, and sometimes the hard times too. I’ve heard “facebook happy families” and what I’ve come to realize is that it’s ok to show the good stuff, it’s where we can feel like the world sees enough bad, and the falling apart, and the divorces, lets show them some good things. Keeping that in mind, it’s important to post the real things, real love, real hurt, because it’s not a perfect world.
So, here’s my promise. To be real. To be vulnerable. To talk about the things that really go on. If you’re going to hear the good stuff, lets talk about the struggles. It’s ok to have a bad day and feel like the world, or just one person needs to hear. Maybe someone is going through the same thing you are. While each experience is it’s own, and you experience it differently, doesn’t mean that you can’t help someone out.
Let’s have the hard conversations. Let’s be real. What’s the point if you can’t be honest, and show everyone your fake side, your real friends know the real story. I have not opened all social medias back up, just Facebook for now. You’re going to see more of the things that are true about me, lets talk mental health, lets talk getting healthier, lets talk about what’s important to you. I love you all and I am glad to be back, but my end is going to change.
My Journey to Wellness 