I chose this goal pretty quickly. I have developed a problem with spending too much time on Facebook. It was getting to the point that my 3 year-old would be talking to me, but I was more focused on reading status updates than listening to him. I felt rotten about it, and I knew I needed to change.
There were a few changes that came with my decision. I spent a little more time reading. And instead of escaping into the world of Facebook, I tried to look at my children when they spoke to me, and pay more attention to what was important to them. Another thing I noticed was that I didn't feel the need to compare how I spent my day, or things I accomplished, or vacations I went on with all those I see posted on Facebook. Less inward competition. My problem to tackle, but being off Facebook helped!
I have to admit I technically did get on Facebook. But, wait! Let me explain. I am the Primary Music Leader for my ward (best calling!). I am part of a group "LDS Primary Choristers" which has members from all over sharing ideas and inspiration. So I did continue to visit that page, but only for the purpose of helping me with my calling. So I don't count it.
There were things that were hard about not getting on Facebook. I think we all have friends and family far away who may be about to give birth, fighting cancer, making big life changes. I have some of those that I didn't stay connected with during that month.
Because of the good that has come from this, though, I am making some changes with Facebook habits. I will get on Facebook, but in a more limited way. I don't need to constantly hop on and off to keep up with "news." I will not let it interfere with being a mother. Nighttime, of course, after the kids are in bed, is a better choice.
April's goal: Improve handwriting. I've started, and I'm already worried that old habits are hard to break!
6 comments:
I wondered how this goal would go and I'm impressed. It was Facebook that somewhat pushed me to take the jump to start projects connect. I really only want to hear the inspired and positive of people that I really know when I sit down at the computer. At times Facebook was just the opposite. On a side note, I've recently curated my feed (hid all the "friends" whose posts made me irritated) and it made a huge difference!
That is a great idea, Nora.
I don't have a facebook account myself but think it's important to regularly monitor my teenage son's feed. That was a condition of his getting an account, that his parents could check it. Certain family members post things on facebook that I may not learn any other way. But oh, the life-sucking power of facebook! I share your challenge of comparison, and know that facebook does not help one bit. Plus, the time I spend on facebook -- telling myself I'm just checking on my sisters-in-law, after all -- could be better spent fostering more personal relationships with them. Imagine that. Great project!
P.S. I agree that Primary chorister is the best calling!
I'm very impressed with your goal. I realized as I was reading your post that I was nodding mindlessly to my 4 year old saying "uh-huh, uh-huh" but had no idea what she had been saying to me. It's so easy to become distracted from motherhood.
I'm also really excited about your handwriting goal. You must post pictures of your handwriting! I'm anxious to hear what you do to improve. Good Luck!
What an awesome goal! I have fallen into that trap myself unfortunately. Darn smart phones! I have to really try hard manage my usage better. I need to follow your example!
I am very impressed as well. Have you heard of Hank Smith? He has a talk titled, "Break up with your phone." Whenever, I am caught looking at my phone and not really listening to my kids they remind me to break up with my phone! I don't mind the reminder from them! I would much rather know what my kids are doing than what is happening on FB!
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