I have been reading several posts on “unplugging” more in the upcoming new year. This has something that I have been thinking about for quite some time. I started paying attention to how much time I WASTE ensuring I see everyone’s posts on Facebook, twitter, etc. HOURS sometimes each night are spent pouring myself over newsfeeds and tweets, tumblrs and IGs. Ugh…really?
And for what?
Sure it’s fun to keep up with my friends and family who live all over the world. It’s great to be able to see baby pictures and accomplishments. I really enjoy seeing race photos and family updates.
But wouldn’t it be better if I got a phone call or a text, telling all this very same information PERSONALLY to me? If they really wanted me to know what’s going on in their life, wouldn’t they reach out to me vs. having to blast it on social media? And vice versa as well…Couldn’t I just shoot a text out, or make a phone call to my loved ones vs. posting on FB?
Maybe…
But life gets busy, I understand that all too well. It’s hard to keep in touch, it’s hard to fit in a phone/text conversation when our lives are…so busy? Are we really that busy? If we have enough time to sit on social media for a length of time, couldn’t we use that time differently to communication with one friend, family member or loved once twice each week? It’s a catch 22 of sorts, for sure…
So my goal, moving forward is to do two things…this is a two things Tuesday post, right?
1. Unplug more from social media. I will do this by not checking fb AT ALL during the day on my breaks/lunch etc. I will keep my IG account, because I love photography, but the same thing goes. I will only check it after my youngest daughter goes to bed. Both my kids deserve more attention. I will also make an effort to make at least one phone call each week, to catch up with a loved one. I do realize text conversations would better for some, so that works too. Dust off your ear pieces and thumbs my friends. 🙂
2. Continue putting more efforts into my blog/writing of my cookbook venture. I really am proud that I actually stuck with it for the better part of 2014, so I truly hope 2015 rolls in with continued successful efforts.
I hope with my proposed plan of unplugging somewhat will form a habit that lasts a lifetime. Realizing we all have choices, I do know that social media CAN be a blessing so I won’t unplug completely. I will however start living more of MY life, vs. scrolling newsfeeds about OTHER’S lives. No offense, gang. ❤
Happy Holidays, y’all!
❤ Michelle
Movin' it with Michelle 
Thanks for the great post, Michelle. I really enjoy reading your blog. I’ve been off FB since Nov 1st and occasionally miss it, but not all that often. I do have this feeling like I am out of touch because of it, but I’m mostly out of touch with folks that I don’t NEED to be in touch with. Not sure if that makes sense. I’m working now to replace that time wasted with things more productive than DailyMile and other social media substitutes. It’s been difficult but I hope I’m headed in the right direction. I think you will see some wonderful benefits of your plan too! Merry Christmas!
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Thanks, Chuck! I am so thankful for your support to my blog. I won’t delete FB completely, but have since deleted myfitnesspal, and tumblr. I only use daily mile to record miles, so that one won’t bother me. Merry Christmas to you my friend!
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I have been off Facebook since early in 2010, nearly five years now, and I do not miss it at all. Aside from the time waste factor that you so elegantly referenced, my move was primarily motivated by: 1. I gradually discovered that the majority of my “friends” were faker than a cubic zirconium and could not be counted on in times of need. 2. I got sick and tired of constantly viewing the profanity and racial/sexual slurs posted by my nephews. Glad I put it all begind me.
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Great points in regards to the friends…I am noticing the same thing!
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Well spoken!!!
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Thank you!
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Yep, we are totally on the same page! The worst thing for me is being in a restaurant, having dinner with someone who is playing on their phone. I HATE it, and that’s why I challenged myself to cut wayyyyy down on the social media timesuck.
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Amen sista. Im with ya.
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I’m going to focus more on blogging in 2015, because I love to write and it’s such a great outlet for me. I do enjoy connecting with other runners on FB…but my feed is so clogged with silly stuff I don’t want to see. I have resisted joining Twitter for all the reasons you mentioned.
There’s good and bad to social media; I wouldn’t have met you, for example! I think it’s good that you are conscious of how you’re spending your free time. We should all be smarter about that.
Merry Christmas!
BTW, you’d love the Chocolate Mousse Cheescake (with Chocolate ganache) that I made for dessert tonight…
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Your desert sounds AMAZING! I stink at baking, LOL. I too find such joy in writing and will focus on the same…what are your thoughts on ‘unliking’ pages you’ve previously followed? I’m on the fence…
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