Sweet Home Santa Barbara

Thursday, August 23, 2012

I Fasted!

A social media fast, that is. 

I was inspired last week, when a friend looked me straight in the eye and said I don't know what you would do without your phone. And he was right. I am constantly looking at my phone. 

Are there any comments on my blog post today?

Has anyone liked my Instagram picture?

What's going on on Twitter?

It's gross, guys. I really am glued to my phone. It's a wonder that I can make it through a Bible reading or church service without checking it, but you know I am wondering what will show up on that screen when I finally do look. 

I've read that fasting can bring you closer to the Lord, and so I decided to do it. But I knew that food was not what I needed to abstain from (except actually that would probably be a good fast for me too), I needed to take myself out of the social media world. 

Maybe it was only for a day, and maybe that's nothing in the grand scheme of things. But for me, it isn't. For me, it was the perfect reminder of what's important. When I'm with people, I want to be present. But more importantly, when I'm with the Lord, I want to be with the Lord. I don't want my mind to be wandering off to Blogland or Instagram or Twitter. 

I don't think these are bad things. In all honesty, blogging has been nothing but a blessing in my life. It has shown me how to appreciate each and every moment, because hey, this could turn into an awesome blog post. 

It has introduced me to some amazing new hobbies, like cooking, reading and taking thousands of pictures of ev-ery-thing. 

And it's allowed me to get deep with my thoughts, and my faith. Sometimes, I'm not sure who to go to with those deep thoughts that flood through my head. But now, I can put those thoughts into a simple blog post, and share it with any of you who are amazing enough to read it. 

And most importantly, it has led me to you guys. Yes, you. Maybe we talk on a regular basis through e-mail. Or, maybe you just come here every once and a while to skim recent posts. Either way, I am so thankful that you're here. And I'm so thankful to be a part of this beautiful, beautiful Blogland.

I want to remember these things that I love about the social media world. But, I also want to remember the real world. I want to remember the people who are here. The people who are living this thing called life with me. The people who actually give me something to blog about. Because I love them too, and I want to make sure that I never give them a reason to think that I've checked out.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my rambling. A little serious for a Friday post, right? 

Well, here's some inspiration for you today. I know I could always use some. 





I love you all. Thanks for being some of the beautiful reasons for me to be happy.

Now let's make today ridiculously amazing, shall we?

11 comments:

Samantha said...

Good for you! I love the last quote!

Emily said...

Why is it so hard to do that - actually be "present?" Glad your fast helped ... and that you're back in action! :) Happy weekend!

Rebecca O said...

It is so amazing that you did a "social media fast" :) I am so proud of you! It is sometimes so difficult to be in the here and now, the present with the people you are with at that time! I think that is something youths in our generation have such a hard time with! I think you should enact this everytime you are hanging out with your friends, or at church/bible study... http://pinterest.com/pin/78461218478397214/

Erin said...

There's definitely a fine line between blogland and 'real' life and I try to stay in the real, in the now. On dates w/ my husband I'll take pictures, but try not to IG or tweet them until the date is over, or he takes a phone call, bathroom break etc lol!

Jordan said...

I am so guilty of having my phone with me at all times and checking it more than I should. I honestly don't know if I could go a whole day without my phone, and truth be told, it gives me a little anxiety just thinking about it! I think it's great you did that though! And I am also thankful to have put my foot in Blogland; hasn't been long but I'm loving it here already! Happy Friday friend! xo

Caitlin C. said...

Good for you!! I'm so guilty of depending on technology way too much. I need to do this!

Charlotte said...

Good for you! I definitely need to do this!

I check my phone constantly. I think it's become a habit now that I don't even realize I'm scrolling through Facebook/Twitter when I should be interacting with friends and family.

Elissa said...

oh trust me I know it can be so easy to get consumed by technology. and like you said they aren't bad things but a small break every now and then can be refreshing.

Amanda said...

Great Post. I follow your Blog now.
Please follow me.
A.

dramaticmode.blogspot.it

Rach said...

Hey sweet girl, I am so glad you took the time to fast from social media for a bit. What a blessing to truly be present with those around you and especially God. In grad school we learned about this concept called "radical presence" and I really try to live my life that way. Basically it is just that whatever I am doing... I am 100% there and engaged. So no txting or typing while I'm talking to someone else. No looking over someone's shoulder or around the room while I'm talking to them. Just being totally engaged with that person at that moment. It's a challenge, but it has truly blessed my friendships and my marriage.

Sarah Lynn said...

Yes!!! lol I need to let my phone go sometimes too, I dont even post things much besides blogging but I'm always stalking other people haha