Recently, I did something bold, and so NOT me. Without warning or redirection, I flat out, cold-turkey QUIT Facebook and Twitter.
Gasp. Gulp. Grr.
All of the above. I mean, how can an author/coach building a brand do such a thing? What’s wrong with me? Nothing! But something IS going on. And it’s the same thing that’s going on with many of you.
The Social Media Blues.
You know, that addictive pull to scroll for endless amounts of time while missing out on…well…life! Then once you’re in, it’s a frantic review of post after post. Do you comment? Or just click an emoticon? Or ignore? So many decisions! After a short time, you feel a pit in your stomach. You feel worse and worse about yourself and your life.
All of a sudden, you have an epiphany. You’re not where you’re supposed to be. You have the wrong house. The wrong hair. The wrong LIFE. You’re definitely not good enough, with a dash of you don’t belong. So you shut the phone off and go eat a bag of Doritos (my personal fave). And still, you feel horrible wallowing in salt and sorrow.
That is until the one you love walks into the room, and your shoulders fall a little. Then your little one runs over for a hug, and your heart melts. Next, you get an email from a work colleague giving you kudos for a job well done. Little by little, you start to feel better. And you realize THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU. Your life is great. It’s not perfect, no one’s is, but it’s a GOOD life, full of love and happiness in all the places that matter.
The problem isn’t you. It’s the social media blues.
Time for a break? Maybe to deactivate? Only you know what’s best for you. If social media is no longer the connection you crave, no longer the place to go to feel less alone, no longer the party online it once was, it’s time to let it go.
Quitting social media altogether is no easy decision. For the record, I’m still on Instagram and Pinterest (because I love organization and creative ideas). The jury’s still out on IG for me. I’m not sure if I’ll keep it for personal, business, both or dump it. I’ve been staying away and seeing how I feel. So far, no love lost.
What did I find? I have more time to spend with those I love, time to get projects done around the house, and time to just BE. I can watch more Hallmark Christmas movies! Write! Love. Live. Be Happy. For me, that’s so important.
If social media brings you joy, makes you feel connected, and adds value and happiness to your life, by all means, enjoy it! That’s what it’s there for. But if you’re like me and so many I talk to, and it doesn’t make you feel like the awesome person you indeed are, don’t be afraid to let it go. Your people will still be there for you. And you’ll have my inspiration whenever you need it. I’m here for you! You don’t need social media to find me. And I hope we’ll stay connected no matter how you reach out.
My wish is for you to be happy and enjoy every moment of your life. To live with courage in your soul and love in your heart. Whatever it takes, don’t let anyone or anything make you feel less than. You are MORE THAN ENOUGH.
I believe in you!
Leave a Reply