Unplug from social media.

I recently had to unplug from social media for more than a month. My phone had an accident and I ended up with what they call a bricked phone. I was livid at the whole situation. I felt that my whole life was in it, breathe in…breath out, I had a moment.

I went through the next weeks without accessing social media, I had a phone that could text and call.  I however realized that losing my phone did not diminish who I was, something beautiful came from my loss. I realized who I am without the distractions of social media.
I learnt that I am enough: without social media I did not have the temptation to compare my life with what others were displaying on their social media pages. I also had so much time to myself, I did some evaluation, embraced who I am and in that I stopped worrying about what I feel I am supposed to be. I became more assertive, embracing my God-given beauty and talents without feeling the need to share with strangers or few friends.

I got closer to God: initially the bible app on my phone was enough. I did not have a phone that could do that anymore and I ended up buying a pocket bible… best decision ever.  I started having intentional time with God, intentionally reading the Bible chapter after chapter. I was also making time for prayer not just the night and morning prayers.

Now we know what happens when you do something for 21 days it becomes a routine and so even now that am back on social media am stuck with my routine. I shut down the noise and make time to have a chat with my creator.

I got closer to my friends: If you think your friends are the ones who hit on your Whatsapp once in a while ,you are wrong and friend you need to go out and meet real friends. These are online people who are probably chatting with someone they like and as they wait for a reply they keep themselves busy by saying hi to you. I had to call and text my friends and true enough my friends adjusted to my system, they would call and text me now and then. We were able to talk at length and make plans to actually meet.

There is so much good that comes with social media, like connecting with friends, doing business online and many more great things, but remember also the cons. You need to unplug to remember who you are, to remember that you are different from everyone else and to remember that those “likes” do not define who you are.

You can start with a day, two days and eventually you will have a routine. You have to fight that FOMO (fear of missing out) and actually connect with people physically without phubbing them.

Do not lose yourself in something created by man, remember to whom you belong.  God gives us wisdom to realize how we can use social media for our good and also when to stop. Listen, you will know the difference.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “NO” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:11-12.