A Social Media Fast

I remember when I first had the idea ... my wife, Lisa, and I were talking about what to give up this year for Lent. We both agreed on alcohol and I thought that would be hard enough. It was, by the way. And then, on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, early in the morning I heard this tug on my soul: “Give up social media.”

Really?

Yeah, really.

And so, my fast from social media began.

The first week was the most difficult. I liked following family and friends, and reading little updates about what everyone was up to on any given day. However, what I soon found I didn’t miss was the negativity and posturing on these various platforms. It soon became a refreshing break that allowed me to stop, think about the friends and family I loved so much, and say a little prayer for them.

I wrote more letters (remember what those are), printed off pictures, sent e-mails and made a few phone calls. In the end, I stayed in contact – just in some old school ways.

When I logged in this morning at the end of my fast, it was refreshing to read about birthdays, anniversaries, and other special moments. And, as I encountered some of the negativity that had been removed from my life these last forty days, I just blocked that contact and moved right along. As with any fast, or cleanse, it was good to rid myself of the bad so I could appreciate the good.

Speaking of appreciating the good, tonight it will be time to appreciate a good glass of wine. And to catch up on everything I missed on social media over the last month or so. See you on-line!