Facebook is Fired

I'm breaking up with Facebook.

No really. So I considered "giving up" Facebook as my New Year's Resolution.

Then I chickened out.

Then I said I'd "give it up" for Lent.

I've never really considered giving up anything for Lent...I was raised in a United Methodist Church and we rarely focusing on the tradition associated with giving things up during Lent. 

More and more, I thought about it. And the more and more I realized I needed to do this.

It's more about me than it is Facebook.

But I realize that social media can be used in any way we'd like to, and right now it's not serving me or serving anyone else in the way I'm using it...especially those who are close to me.

I'm ADDICTED.

I seriously crave checking it. So I deleted the app off my phone, but I still waste hours on the iPad or on my laptop. It's ridiculous.  

So, as a reflection on my own issues and realizing that I had a problem I needed to address, I'm getting it all in and then I'm taking a SERIOUS look at myself.  

Hopefully I'll be able to practice better self-control and translate into other aspects of my life as well.

I can almost guarantee I'll be happier. After the initial shock wears off.

You see, our social media habits also breed depression and anxiety and serious self-image problems.

Seeing only the positive aspects of someone's life because that's all they portray through their Facebook statuses? Being bombarded with pregnancy and engagement announcements as you enter your late 20s? Seeing the "HAVEs" and the "HAVE NOTs"?

We all focus on what we see, but there are lives and arguments and unhappiness and jealousy and all other kinds of emotions and secrets behind the happy family photos or the new car.

And I lose myself in it. 

I compare myself to it.

I seek the attention from others. 

It's sickening and I'm over it. Just yesterday I logged in to find out my cousin was engaged (YAY) and an acquaintance was pregnant (double YAY)...however, all I felt was a pit inside of me. 

I felt sad, even mad. 

And that's when I KNEW for sure, this is what I needed to do.

To keep myself sane, to remind myself to LIVE the life I have, and to notice the many blessings I have in the community all around me. How amazing a child I have, how great a family I have, and what wonderful friends and co-workers I share my own achievements and celebrations with.

There's no need to focus my attention and energy to Facebook.

I love the community, the quick sharing of information, the funny pictures, but right now I need a step back, to work on my own heart and my own struggles.

Maybe I'll actually feel happier. 

Maybe I'll truly appreciate the gifts God has given me.

And maybe I'll come out on the upside with a different perspective.

Here's to hoping!

{I won't be giving up Instagram or Blogger...yet}