Earlier this year I decided to take a 30-day break from social media. Wasn’t a protest of any sort; I just needed to hear my own thoughts, and take a rest from the barrage of insanity that was saturating my scroll. Story after story of silliness, that for all intents and purposes had nothing to do with me, but stayed in my thoughts for days.
Tales like that of Rachel Dolezal, the young woman who has been pretending to be black, while serving as head of a local chapter of the NAACP. It’s one of those stories so ridiculous it’s hard to believe it is true. And yet as more and more of her tomfoolery comes to light, I can’t help but be fascinated and just a little sad.
Obviously many of you are too, as I see posts aplenty offering comments and speculation. We wonder why she would lie about her race, why her parents would out her after years of deception, and if she’s mentally ill, a manipulator or just lacking in self-worth. We wonder, wait for more information, and willingly allow ourselves to be sucked in by her story. But meanwhile…what is happening to our own?
Nothing. Absolutely nothing in our own life story is changing, growing or getting better. Because for those precious moments we are wasting on her drama we have become observers of life, instead of truly living.
That’s why I’m challenging all of us to take a break from social media. Now don’t worry, I’m not suggesting anything extreme. Just 5 days with no Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, Google+, or any other network designed to keep us plugged in and engaged.
It may seem strange at first, given that many of us check social media first thing in the morning, and it sets the tone for our day. But trust me, there are some benefits to giving it a rest. Here are a few that I experienced on my 30 days away…
I got out of other folks business and into my own.
I heard my own thoughts and regained my perspective.
I reclaimed my time, and refocused on my priorities.
I got things done. In fact, I wrote 80 pages on my book during my break!
I could list twenty more, but y’all get the drift. Social media has its uses, and it sure is fun. But every once in a while, when we find ourselves talking more about other people’s drama than our own projects, it’s time to take a break so we can break our bad habits.
See here’s the thing…while we’re spending all day debating whether Rachel is black or white, if she has any sense at all she’s off to get a book deal. Her art has probably skyrocketed in value because of the scandal, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her made for TV movie produced in the next 12 months. Now I know – I’ve probably made some of you mad just putting those ideas into the Universe, but you know it’s true. Because while we’re busy worried about her silliness, she’s walked on down the road to her next adventure.
I’m suggesting we do the same. Because there is so much more we can achieve, but we’ll only accomplish our goals if we get focused, and take action.
So why not take a quick break, and get offline? Clear your mind, and dream a little. Spend more time with those you love, and listen closely for the whispers of the Spirit. Then come on back and join us – rested, renewed and ready to add a positive voice to our collective discourse.
I hope you decide to give it a try. You’ll be amazed at what you hear when you get other people’s voices out of your head. Be sure to leave us a comment letting us know and we’ll be sending good thoughts and prayers your way.
Hoping your days away are filled with simple pleasures, sweet peace and divine inspiration!
Hugs and Love ❤
Groesbeck Parham says
We know less about ourselves than we do anything. Solitude is a good thing.
Chantel Jones says
I usually unplug myself from social media for a day or two; however, I think I will take your challenge and try 5 days. You made some great points. For me FB is my news source; but just like the regular news you need a break. Just like my says about being enslaved to the television, I’m going to treat my social media the same way and find something else to do with my time. Thanks for your words of wisdom. Back to the simple life!