In an effort to concentrate on writing my debut novel, I decided to delete Instagram for a month. Little did I know, this decision would yield far greater rewards than I anticipated.
It took me several months to finally take the plunge and remove the app. I recognized that a hiatus was necessary; I was becoming too absorbed in the act of sharing my life digitally rather than living it fully. However, I kept making excuses. Instagram had become my personal digital scrapbook. What if someone tried to reach me there? Would my follower count plummet? Most importantly, what if I missed out on something significant?
I attempted various strategies to decrease my screen time, which helped somewhat, but the urge to reach for my phone remained strong. It was my go-to for those idle moments or when I wanted to escape reality. It had become a crutch.
When I finally clicked that little “x” and deleted the app, a wave of relief washed over me. Here are some insights I gained during my month away:
Living in the Moment
Initially, I viewed experiences through the lens of social media. Whether it was a family outing, a funny comment from my child, or a thought-provoking podcast, I found myself contemplating whether to post about it. However, this urge eventually faded, replaced by a newfound appreciation for the present. I began to cherish these moments for what they were—genuine experiences—rather than what they could be on Instagram. This shift allowed me to savor life more fully and store memories in my mind rather than my phone.
More Creation, Less Consumption
For nearly three years, I had been working on my book, burdened by the nagging thought of how much further along I might be without the noise of social media distracting me. During my month away, I accomplished more in my writing than I had in the previous years combined. Without social media, moments of inspiration flowed more freely—not just for my novel, but also about my family and other creative endeavors. Consuming social media often gives a false sense of productivity; after an hour of scrolling, there’s little to show for it. It’s all too easy to fall into that cycle of consumption instead of creation.
Finding Validation Within
Shortly after stepping away from Instagram, I was hit with a wave of insecurities that felt overwhelming. This was unexpected; I thought that quitting social media would boost my confidence. I soon realized that I was missing the validation that came from likes, comments, and followers. More importantly, I was no longer using social media as a distraction to avoid confronting my feelings. I had to face my emotions head-on, which was a significant wake-up call. I have since learned the importance of self-validation over seeking approval from others.
Feeling Complete
As women today, we often feel pulled in countless directions, and social media amplifies this sense of fragmentation. Seeing others’ curated lives can lead to subconscious comparisons that are overwhelming. Life shouldn’t be about peeking into everyone else’s lives; it should be about living our own. Additionally, we don’t need to absorb everyone’s opinions, which can cloud our own judgment and intuition.
Intentional Motherhood
Since stepping back from social media, I’ve become more present with my children. These formative years are precious, and I want to prioritize real-life connections over online interactions. I aim to set an example that living fully and engaging with loved ones should always take precedence over digital distractions.
Striking a Balance
I have rejoined social media, but I can’t engage with it the same way I once did. Now that I’ve experienced a more fulfilling life away from my phone, I choose to share selectively. I often reserve special moments for just my family and me, and I’ve even deleted the app on weekends to help maintain that balance.
Social media isn’t inherently bad—I appreciate the connections and opportunities it offers. However, for me, the time and energy I invested in it did not yield a worthwhile return. While platforms can provide valuable tools, the richness of life lies in our relationships, everyday experiences, and off-screen inspiration. We shouldn’t fear missing out on social media but rather on what we could miss by spending too much time immersed in it.
In conclusion, my month away from social media was transformative, allowing me to rediscover the joys of real life.
For more on home insemination, check out this resource or learn about the journey of couples trying to conceive at Make a Mom. If you are looking for additional information, IVF Babble offers excellent insights into pregnancy and home insemination.