Send to KindleIt’s really interesting how things change when you let go of nasty old habits.
As most of you know I decided to quit Facebook because of the site’s political activity that I was addicted to. I was anxious, depressed, and feeling hopeless. I was using up lots of time reading, commenting, and sharing everything I felt everyone needed to know about our country’s situation. I had little time to do anything else, especially things I’ve always loved to do like taking walks, reading, and writing.
My first step was to take both the Facebook and Twitter apps off my iPhone. Instead of checking them out at every stop light on my way to an appointment, I found myself a safer driver. Now I turn on my phone only to find out what time it is or to see if there are any emails I need to respond to quickly. In waiting rooms I now thumb through magazines or better yet, simply close my eyes and meditate.
I then decided to make it official and get rid of any connection with Facebook altogether by closing my account except for my Author Page. I clicked all the buttons to make it go away. But it didn’t disappear. I thought that maybe it would take time to close an account and that it would happen next week or next month. It’s still with me though. and I’ve come to the conclusion that I didn’t click on the correct buttons.
The interesting thing is that checking in on Facebook every couple of days has become fun. It’s a great way to see what’s going on with my kids and grandkids. By staying away from social media I’ve gained so much time, that it’s incomprehensable. I can’t imagine why I’ve hung on for so long.
I now have plenty of time to read, take cat naps, and simply stare into space which is something that is a necessity in my life. It’s in that almost empty space that new ideas come to me and I’m able to make thoughtful decisions.
We had our first snowfall of the season this past Saturday. I took most of the day to watch large, fluffy flakes cover the ground. The weather forecasts were extremely amusing. At first we were supposed to have a dusting. Then it was 3 to 4 inches. In the end we got 10 Inches.
There’s a gorgeous winter wonderland out there. The birdfeeders are alive with activity, and the chaos of hungry birds seems to be unending. There are our resident Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, Finches, Sparrows, and Juncos. New to the feeders this year are Chickadees and a few Cardinals.
By letting go of a bad habit and getting myself out of that old Facebook trap, I’m more mindful and happy to be back in the world that lives just outside my kitchen windows.
Have you let go of any time sucking habits lately? Was it worth it? I’d love to hear how you did it and what you’ve gained.
Dear Joan, I remember how much I enjoyed your book. At age sixty, I, too, have given up a nasty old bad habit. I given up eating animal products after reading many books and visiting websites by nutritional authors, such as Esselstyn, Ornish, Barnard, Campbell, McDougal, Gregor, and Davis, and took an online cooking class called Forks Over Knives. I have see several documentaries, called Pure Plant Nation. Since I want to be healthy, I have started eating a whole-food plant-based diet. I have so much more energy, and as an added bonus, I am saving the lives of countless innocent animals and helping the environment. I always wanted to write a memoir, but it is a good thing I didn’t yet because I am becoming a new person with a new perspective in life. Thanks for your email and photos!
Sarah, Thanks for your visit. I’m glad you enjoyed my book. Changing the way we eat is a big one. I tried being a vegetarian for almost a year and got sicker and sicker. I apparently must have some animal protein in order to maintain my health. Everyone is different. I eat a minimum of fish and meat and lots of organically grown fruit and veggies which I love.
Joan, good for you! I closed my FB account back in 2015, and I’ve not looked back. I used to feel so emptied out after browsing FB, and I found it so unsatisfying. I never trusted what Zuckerberg and FB are about, so I decided to cut it out of my life. So glad I did.
You got much more snow on the other side of the mountain. We had 2-3 inches. Thanks for the photos!
Thanks, Saloma. You were way ahead of me. I’m happy to be done with it and am enjoying more leisure time.
Yes, we got a ton of snow and walking about town can be tricky. I’m moving slowly and avoiding black ice.
Brava to you for exchanging the ruckus of news bytes for the chaos of hungry birds. I like your approach to a more fulfilling life. Though I still have a Facebook account, I’ve decided to check it less often. Lately I have enjoyed tinkering with Instagram, no political rants, just a record of my life in photos (posting every so often).
Taking walks, reading, writing, and just staring into space sound like a sane approach to daily life. Sometimes I wish for a winter wonderland in Jacksonville, just a day or two of things shutting down … quietude. Calming post; thank you Joan!
Marian, I have to admit I love an occasional snow day. It’s great to be able to simply do nothing and watch the snowy transformation of walkways, trees, and gardens into something so magically beautiful.
I need to really back off from Facebook – too much angst that, as with you, takes away energy but brings anxiety & even despair at times. Those are not what I need! Good on you for getting back to life in your own space. 🙂
Hi Linda! It’s great to see you here. Yes, taking time for self-care is what quitting Facebook was for me. Especially after watching a PBS Frontline special on Facebook and Zuckerberg last month. They don’t seem to care much about subscribers.
“I now have plenty of time to read, take cat naps, and simply stare into space which is something that is a necessity in my life. It’s in that almost empty space that new ideas come to me and I’m able to make thoughtful decisions.”
I’ve never tried ‘catnaps’ but I am a big fan of that ‘almost empty space’ you mention, and its capacity to spark a ‘creative’ note!
Thanks for your visit, Ginger. Indeed it is that “almost empty space” that is where new ideas take root. Hope you are having wonderful holidays!