Social Media Time Out

Many people use social media as a break from reality. We come online and look at other people's lives through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, blogs, Tumblr, etc. However, we often spend more time on these sites than we realize. (My dad is a Facebook addict, but don't tell him that. He's a little touchy about it.)

During our move, I took some time to transition off of social media. I deleted the Facebook, Twitter and Instagram aps from my phone. I limited the amount of time that I was in front of the computer during non-work hours. And I realized just how addicted I had become to social media.

"Mommy, put your phone down and play with me."

That's all it took to make me realize that I needed a change. I ripped the internet voyeur bandaid off, and I haven't regretted it.

My productivity in all aspects of my life has increased since I've given myself a time out. I've been extremely productive at work. Kiddo and I have spent more quality time together. (I've learned so many Wiggles dance moves, that I feel I could be a fill-in if needed!) I've spent more time reading my Bible. (I've spent more time reading in general.) I've even gotten back to a regular exercise routine.

For a brief moment, I lost sight of what was really important. My life isn't measured by the amount of times I post to this blog, the amount of tweets I send out into the universe, or the amount of pictures I take to make everyone think our lives here are perfect. The person the internet perceives me to be doesn't matter. What matters is the person that my daughter perceives me to be.

My new job will have me travelling a good bit, and it's more responsibility, so my time away from her will be greater. I don't want her to remember me as the mom who was always on her phone when we were together. Sure, I can still be the mean mom who won't let her watch Dorothy the Dinosaur on repeat ALL DAY. But I want her to remember me as the mom who was with her (REALLY with her) during the brief time we get to spend together.

I'll be back to play more than I was this past month, internet friends. But I'll be spending a little more time paying attention to The Wiggles. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go sing one more song before bedtime.