Unplugged

Bye Bye Facebook!

I started, by deleting MSN Messenger. My sister-in-law was the only one who ever talked to me on there anymore. I can call her on the phone, or skype with her instead. Then, I read articles about how to successfully let go of facebook. For us addicts, it's VERY hard to just quit cold turkey. So I started by sending out a message to all my friends, letting them know my email address, mailing address, and blog websites. I gave myself a deadline (2-3 days, and facebook would be deactivated.) I started deleting friends from my list... (all of them.) Then I deleted pictures... I unliked all the things that I followed, and blocked all the game apps I used to play. The last 24 hours, I had absolutely NOTHING to check on facebook. I logged in, but there was nothing... so hitting deactivate seemed like the only thing left to do.

It was so hard to delete my friends. I won't get to see Baby L update pictures, unless his mom starts a blog. I won't get to see the new Baby B! I won't know if the Y's had a boy or girl. How disconnected I'm going to feel for a very long time... until I realize that not everyone we share a connection with was meant to be a friend "for life." These acquaintances, once coworkers, are more special to other people than to me - so what obligation to they hold to keep me updated on their life? :P

I found myself constantly angry that I tried so hard to uphold friendships that weren't reciprocated. So by disconnecting from social media, I hope to embrace who my true friends are. Additionally - I hope that all of this time I have given myself will force me to open my eyes to my children. I'll have time to take Victoria on my lap and read her all those books she never pays attention to once I start :) I won't have a reason to tell Ava no when she wants to sit down and color or play a game. I hope that by not feeding my own addictions in the internet world, that I'll be able to give of myself to the people who need me the most. My own precious family.

This change is a difficult one. Internet addiction is something I've been able to juggle while raising a family and working - but why should I have an addiction at all? Why do I ALWAYS feel the need to run and check email? I'm no celebrity... moreover, no one EVER emails me! haha... So... *deep breath* Goodbye Facebook. Goodbye Yahoo Messenger... Goodbye MSN Messenger... Hopefully, for good.