Did it work? The short answer is, yes.
Was it hard? Also, the answer is, yes.
Why did I do this?
I love social media...and by 'love', I mean I'm addicted to it. I realize this even more today, now 30+ days later. As a visual person, and extrovert--I'm drawn in (probably more than the average person). Even much of my career has had social as an integral piece to my work (and will always--for which I am glad!) But, I am always annoyed when I feel like someone isn't giving me their full attention when I'm talking...and I had become "THAT" person, distracted by the 'lure of the feed.'
What did I find out?
I had a lot more time to create stuff. I wish I had a monumental piece of artwork to show, or a big project completed--but I do not. Many of the projects I attempted ended in failure (read about one here and another here.) But, I do in fact have a cleaner office, a few new photo albums & feel slightly more organized than I did before.
The biggest shift here however, was that of going from a spectator to creator. My focus went from watching what everyone else is doing (or how they are responding to what I’ve posted) to creating and accomplishing goals for myself.
My train of thought was more complete. I realized that I'm a bad multi-tasker and viewing my social feeds was the equivalent of channel-surfing--never fully watching an entire episode of anything. With less distractions from whatever task or concept I have in front of me, I do feel more 'present' in the moment in many cases and more able to complete a task without the lure of interruption.
There is tremendous power in on-line/real-time. I missed many things--and these 30 days were not easy (specifics here.) Social media is an amazing tool that connects people, places and things together. I am grateful for every person that I am connected with on social media & am glad to share in some part in their journey. It truly has enhanced my life in many ways.
I became a better listener and people observer. There was a woman who tallied how many times her kids look at her (for approval / acknowledgement, etc.) during a 15 minute casual playtime period...28 times! How many of those times with Wally did I miss when my nose was buried in my phone? I don't want to think about it. I became more fully engaged to hear important questions like, "which do you like better--Minecraft or Madden?" and also became more aware of how much time he was spending on electronics (oh, he loved this benefit--haha.)
Fresher real-life conversation. When I see friends in person, it’s been great to fully listen to what's going on with them—truly hearing about their experiences for the first time instead of assuming I know everything because I saw their last 20 pictures / status updates.
My friends are still friends--whether online or not. I texted and emailed much more--which was more authentic & personal.
Battery life on your mobile devices improves when you aren't picking it up 25 times a day.
Will I go back?
Yes, but perhaps in a slightly different way. Social media will always be part of the fabric of our lives--in one way or another. Running from it negates its power as a connecting and creative tool (that I truly enjoy). I probably will limit my time to my intentional time periods, and perhaps do more creative writing as an outlet as well.
Thank you for reading this--and for being my friend...online and in real life.
Bonnie
