If I’m not on Facebook, do I exist?
Choosing social media on my terms
Today, I declare that I am removing my social media from my portable devices, especially my phone. Sunday is a day of rest for me, and I consider it a sacred time in the morning. Yet I sat down with a cup of coffee and wasted two hours endlessly and mindlessly scrolling through the nonsense. Although I admit social media is how I stay in touch with friends living in other countries, it’s not how I want — or better, choose — to spend my time and energy.
I’m brilliant at rationalising. My internal dialogue said I had nothing better to do on a Sunday, so it was fine. But that’s a lie. I have many things that I delight in doing on a Sunday. These are my writing practice, answering a writing prompt, baking that banana bread I keep saying I’m going to bake, reading a book calling to me from my bedside table, exploring a new trail on the cliffs, or getting back to the gym. I’m sure I could point to countless other things healthier than mind-numbing scrolling and dumbing down my Sunday morning.
My mornings are precious, but I’m not acting like it.
I rationalise that I need to be on social media to promote my business, and that is true. However, I can use the tools technology provides to create a content calendar, assign specific times in the week to write posts, and schedule my posts and responses. (I’m in the process of doing this.)
My aha moment today brings me to a decision to meet my habit and my choice halfway. I will remove my social media from portable devices so that when I check it on my computer, there is an intention to do so and a time limit.
I can then focus on what matters, finishing my third book and being attentive to my clients. Finally, and most importantly, I want to enjoy an intentional life that brings me peace and joy and the flexibility to walk the cliffs, where my creativity and soul are nurtured, whenever I feel the impulse.
I’d love to know how you manage your social media so leave me a comment and maybe we can all learn from one another!
Find me at www.aliciamrodriguez.com or follow me on IG at @msaliciamrodriguez and @slow_living_in_portugal for a look at my “intentional” life!
