I know it's a going premium in the blog world, to talk about simplifying your life. I've talked about it - here, most recently - I've read about it, and I like to think I've taken part in this movement from time to time.
But I'm only human, and I find myself drawn to scrolling Instagram... to scrolling Twitter... sometimes, even Facebook. And sometimes, frankly, I get just plain sick of it. Sick of it all. Sick of the pressure it makes me feel, to post witty remarks and beautiful photos.
When I came to Shreveport last Wednesday, I made a little pact with myself that I would abstain from posting on social media sites for the duration of my visit. And, aside from tweeting all of the Sunday Currently troupe, I've held strong. And it has felt really good. And, I've also missed it.
Maybe instead of simplicity, the key to all of this crazy, wonderful Internet stuff is moderation. Tweeting a little here, Instagramming a bit there... maybe that's the way out of the madness that is being glued to my phone.
And while the proper balance still evades me, I will continue pressing on and searching for it. And when - if - I ever find it, rest assured that I will share.
Have you found the elusive and sought after social media balance? Please, feel free to share your own personal method to the madness. Oh, and expect to see me again via all of the social media avenues beginning this Wednesday.
And while the proper balance still evades me, I will continue pressing on and searching for it. And when - if - I ever find it, rest assured that I will share.
Have you found the elusive and sought after social media balance? Please, feel free to share your own personal method to the madness. Oh, and expect to see me again via all of the social media avenues beginning this Wednesday.
8 comments:
I sometimes see bloggers with thousands of readers and followers, and I enjoy following along as well. But then I remember that every cute little Instagram photo takes 15 tries and then the filter and then the caption and that memorable moment they were "capturing" is actually gone. It's exhausting, and not much fun for the people around you unless everyone you're with is really into the social media game as well. So, I say kudos to finding moments that are so *shareable* that you'll risk the wrath of your dinner guests or S.O. to capture that perfect sunset or bagel or hilarious bumper sticker. That's my new guideline. "If everyone I'm with gets pissy because it takes me 10 minutes to post this, will it still be worth it?" Seems to be working out pretty well. :)
I have been really annoyed with myself and having to check social media so often! I've started shutting my phone off for a dew hours in the evening! Or putting my phone completely out of sight!
Sometimes I purposefully go to bed with a low charged ipad so when I wake up in the morning the time I can use it before it dies and I have to get up and shower (I stay at home so no work to get to) is faster. I also try to charge it an inconvenient place like my bedroom floor so I do not walk by and get distracted by it.
those are good ideas! making my phone & ipad less accessible would definitely be a good option. i'll have to try it out.
i'm always worried that if i turn my phone off, i'll miss an important call or someone who needs to get in touch with me won't be able to. i guess if they couldn't reach me, they'd call justin... so i may try turning my phone off in the evenings. that may be a great idea, actually.
i know what you mean about the people with thousands of followers. i often think about how perfect and beautiful their photos are on facebook, but then i think about the same things you mentioned: how long they're spending on their phones to achieve the perception of that life, the time it takes to edit those photos just so, and the real life that they're missing out on. i'm sure it's not true for all of them, but it must be for some.
Last year, I made a resolution to give up Facebook for one year. I missed it at first until I realized that I was focusing more on my family and myself. Creating a new Facebook Account this past January, I see things differently. You find out who your true friends are and how peaceful your life was the past year without Facebook. Now, the people who I communicate on my page are people that I actually communicate in real life. I think a break from any social media is a good idea. I feel that you appreciate what you post more. Ex: Instagram...not just full of quotes but photos of what you want to remember in that time in your life. Twitter...not just retweeting everything but actually connecting with your followers/readers. Facebook...not just seeing everyone's drama but actually connecting with friends from the past and see how life is beautiful for them and yourself. I'm glad I took a break from social media...I feel that I've changed as a person...I see life differently and now enjoy everyday! (:
I love this. I deactivated my Facebook a few years ago, and I've never looked back. As for tweeting/instagramming, I only post something if I'm really excited about it and I feel like it has something to offer instead of adding to everyone's white noise. I don't ever let myself post just for the sake of posting, and I'm trying to do the same thing with my blog.
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