I have always had a "love/hate" relationship with social media. The sentiments like "I love that I can see pictures of my childhood best friends new baby", "wow! look at this persons accomplishments since college!" or "Oh so-and-so's father died. I need to reach out and send flowers to the funeral" all seem like very reasonable internal conversations we have that justifies our allowance of social media into our daily spheres. There is a lot of love and connection and community that can come from social media.
Th problem becomes when social media is not only our major source of dopamine, but also when it leaks into every aspect of our being. For example, seeing a post on something that goes against your political beliefs or values, and having that brief interaction and subsequent strong, negative feelings sit and fester within your brain for hours; going back and forth about whether or not you're going to put in your two cents because "this person is wrong and they need to know it!". What are we doing!? So much of our time and energy is unknowingly wasted around social media, whether you catch yourself doom scrolling, somehow opening the app when your intention was to text a friend back, getting stuck in a fruitless argument with a stranger over things that literally have ZERO direct impact on your life. It's these scenario that sadly happen all of the time, and most of the time without conscious thought (which is a little scary).
Anyway, I've gone through my fair share of "don't let anyone know how you feel on social media or they'll judge you" to "why waste your time and energy on something so silly?" to "I CAN'T BELIEVE PEOPLE AREN'T SEEING THE FOREST THROUGH THE TREES- LET ME SHOW THEM THE LIGHT!" to "wow I feel so shitty after being on here for an hour- what am I doing with my life and free time?". Seriously, my relationship with social media is a rollercoaster, and it's a ride that right now I am wanting to get off of as much as I can.
So in April (after an event I'm having at work that requires marketing) I will be leading anyone who wants to join on a social media detox for one month.AND as accountability and support will be making a private chat group through my website so we can all feel in commune with one another as we travel through this uneasy terrain of unplugging. Yes, as sad as it may seem getting off of your phone and sitting with "silence" can feel incredibly uncomfortable in this day and age. AND it's necessary. We so NEED the silence!
Anywho, if people DM me on IG or contact me through my website with the words "DETOX ME" I will add you to this private group starting April 5th where I will share inspirational, thought-provoking quotes, recommend books to read, post reflection questions, and simply start conversations so we all can connect in a way that's propelling to our growth rather than stifling. I hope you will all be brave enough to traverse through the silence with me.
xo, Lauren
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