I deleted Instagram and Facebook apps from my phone in January to prep for exams and have never re-installed them! I hadn’t expected to feel like I had my own mind back and I’ve enjoyed not running the comparison gauntlet that is social media every day. I thought I’d created nice little positive worlds on them and only realised how destructive even that can be until I’d left them behind. I haven’t done a full detox but that’s not something I want at the moment. For now I have the right balance. I left the news apps behind probably a year ago - they are unbelievably awful and destructive and terrorising. No thanks! I’ll send prayers for you!
I got rid of my Instagram when I realized how much time it was sucking away. Right now, I'm in a fight with YouTube. Unfortunately, it can only be disabled on my phone and I keep find reasons to re-enable it. It really is an addiction but I'm working on it! I try using a Stay Free app limiter but with limited success.
Prayers up, my Brother. This post has given me new thoughts and motivation. Since I retired in January and started writing here on Substack, I have greatly reduced my "news" and FB time now. But still have an account, mainly to post trip pictures, grands, etc. But, then I thought that after the initial "likes" no one even remembers, so what's the point?
There are some things I would like to discuss and get your opinion about that I will take offline and will email you about soon.
What an excellent piece Derek! I was so happy to read about your experiences this month and how diligently you tried to follow your newly set rules. As for the slips (I call them fudging of which I am also guilty at times), I find it most helpful to acknowledge them, and not to hold on to any disappointment, but continue with renewed resolve. Just as we sin on a daily basis because all humans are by nature broken, we acknowledge our sin, ask for forgiveness, and move forward with hope.
There are certainly momentous changes in your family's life and I will keep you all in my prayers. How wonderful that you will soon welcome a new baby into the family and I wish you God's rich blessings during this time!
p.s. I'll share your post in my upcoming digital detox wrap-up at the beginning of June.
I deleted Instagram and Facebook apps from my phone in January to prep for exams and have never re-installed them! I hadn’t expected to feel like I had my own mind back and I’ve enjoyed not running the comparison gauntlet that is social media every day. I thought I’d created nice little positive worlds on them and only realised how destructive even that can be until I’d left them behind. I haven’t done a full detox but that’s not something I want at the moment. For now I have the right balance. I left the news apps behind probably a year ago - they are unbelievably awful and destructive and terrorising. No thanks! I’ll send prayers for you!
Congratulations to you and your wife too!
I got rid of my Instagram when I realized how much time it was sucking away. Right now, I'm in a fight with YouTube. Unfortunately, it can only be disabled on my phone and I keep find reasons to re-enable it. It really is an addiction but I'm working on it! I try using a Stay Free app limiter but with limited success.
Prayers up, my Brother. This post has given me new thoughts and motivation. Since I retired in January and started writing here on Substack, I have greatly reduced my "news" and FB time now. But still have an account, mainly to post trip pictures, grands, etc. But, then I thought that after the initial "likes" no one even remembers, so what's the point?
There are some things I would like to discuss and get your opinion about that I will take offline and will email you about soon.
Thanks again for being a "thought catalyst".
Thank you Cork! I'll be happy to discuss any of your thoughts or opinions. And I'm always happy to be a "thought catalyst."
Thanks for reading!
Congratulations to you and your wife! Thank you for the reminder to strive to live in the present.
What an excellent piece Derek! I was so happy to read about your experiences this month and how diligently you tried to follow your newly set rules. As for the slips (I call them fudging of which I am also guilty at times), I find it most helpful to acknowledge them, and not to hold on to any disappointment, but continue with renewed resolve. Just as we sin on a daily basis because all humans are by nature broken, we acknowledge our sin, ask for forgiveness, and move forward with hope.
There are certainly momentous changes in your family's life and I will keep you all in my prayers. How wonderful that you will soon welcome a new baby into the family and I wish you God's rich blessings during this time!
p.s. I'll share your post in my upcoming digital detox wrap-up at the beginning of June.
Thank you so much for your kindness and also the kick I needed to attempt the detox in the first place. And so far so good with the renewed resolve!
Thank you for your prayers. It is a joyous time altogether.
I'm also very much looking forward to the wrap-up. Eager to see how others have fared. Thanks Ruth, and God bless.