One week into my Instagram detox and I'm wondering why I didn't do this sooner.
I can't pinpoint where it all started but the simple act of getting to the end of the day was like slogging though swampland. I felt weighted down emotionally, physically and emotionally. When I start feeling like I don't have enough hours in the day or that there's not enough of me to go around, I have to ask what it is I need to let go of.
Instagram was at the top of the list.
The bottomless scrolling, the buzz at the back of my mind telling me I "needed" to post something, it was draining me. So, when I saw that Amanda Watters was hosting a a Rest Retreat from social media on her Homesong blog, I knew it was time. The new year began and, after months of feeling the nudge break from Instagram, I did just that. I disabled the little app on my phone and instantly felt lighter.
Yes, I've missed it, but not in the way I thought I would.
Lately, I've been asking myself the question: Is it needful?
I've been asking it when it comes to the objects in our home (do we really need this?)
I've been asking it about what I eat (is this type of food necessary or can I reach for something healthier?)
And obviously, I'm asking it about what things I allow to occupy my time (is this a necessary activity, can it be let go?)
Right now, Instagram does not fall into the category of needful.
What does fall into that category:
- Prioritizing my quiet time with Jesus which has been inexcusably neglected.
- Getting back to making nourishing meals for my family.
- Taking the time to pursue writing; to hone my craft.
- Spending unhindered time with my children.
- Organizing our home and getting rid of anything that does not, as Marie Kondo put it, "spark joy".
It feels weird to post on this blog and not also share about it on Instagram (where the bulk of my audience is). I worry that no one will see this post but me, but maybe that's ok? Maybe I need to write for me first and not for what I think will get me the most attention. I might not be posting daily updates for awhile and I'm ok with that. For now, I'll be sitting here, at our dining table turned temporary office space and working out what needs letting go and what is worthy of pursuit for our life.
Overall, things are quieter around here.
I like the sound of that.