365 days without social media

 More time. More intentional time.

I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions anymore because when I really want to make a change, it doesn't require this big symbolic "stroke of the new year" sentiment behind it to make it achievable for me. But, this year, I wanted to start off fresh from the first day of the year to the last... so I made an exception. Social media isn't particularly harmful or counterproductive for me these days, it's just a space that has more of my time than I'd like. I started doing this last year... basically just spending less and less time on screens and social media as a whole... it was so easy. Honestly, I've felt this pull for a while now. It's the same scrolling, ads, random updates from people I don't talk to, etc. I once loved social media because of the connections it fostered. Especially whenever we live far away from home. But really, you don't need social media to connect -- it may make it easier in some instances, but you can also just try to be a little more creative in the process of communicating with those that are more than a car drive away. So, just a few days before the new year, I decided to give it all up. No more Facebook, Instagram, or Snapchat. I decided to hold on to TikTok -- I never post, I never have posted, and I never will. I don't connect, I just watch videos or search for things that pertain to recipes, interests, etc. I also made the decision to keep messenger. While messenger is an extension feature of Facebook, it also doesn't categorize as social media, well, at least to me. It's a part of communication and being able to video my family. I'm comfortable with my decisions and after over two weeks in, I don't miss what I've given up.

Instead, I've noticed that I'm on my phone FAR less than before. I do take more phone calls, but I appreciate giving my time to those that want to engage. I have written a couple of letters (This is my favorite) and sent them out the old snail mail way, and texting has become more of a thing for me (previously I was a notoriously awful texter). I wouldn't say I have more time for my family, I've never sacrificed my time with them for social media...but I would say that maybe I have more time for myself? For my thoughts? I also want to continue to model healthy boundaries with technology for my kids. They are going to grow up in such a technology-driven world and It pulls both Justin and me to try and preserve their childhood by ensuring they still get to do "normal" things that kids do. Time to play outside, to be bored, explore, read, and grow -- SCREEN FREE. I think about this often because where both Justin and I fall on this line. we are '90s babies *early '90s* and we both have memories of bike riding, playing outside until dark, cassette players, boy bands, and so much more fun rooted in things that have nothing to do with a computer, t.v., or any other screen for that matter.

We had this slow, but a gradual introduction to computers, floppy discs, dial-up internet, and of course, my beloved AIM (AOL instant messenger), and the technology transition felt natural. Not forced or rushed per se? It was a really good balance and I just want to make sure we achieve that balance for our kids in a world where technology is an expectancy, not so much a choice anymore. I'm not totally sure how long I'll feel this way but I know I feel this way now and it seems important enough for me to commit a year-long resolution.

I plan to see this through. 

Here's to taking my time back!