Facebook Sabbatical

I've been on a month long Facebook Sabbatical, and I like it. No, I've loved it. It's felt refreshing to be unplugged. 100% transparency, I was occasionally on Twitter. I have no relationships on Twitter. It's all information based. And I was occasionally on Instagram. That's like flipping through a photo album. And I didn't post any pictures. 

I've taken Facebook Sabbaticals before--usually after being pissed off by some backhanded, subliminal mocking, or from being despondent after the 2016 elections when I didn't think I could cope seeing the 45th President, daily, on my Facebook newsfeed. Of course my need to speak out or speak up against injustice or political insanity, share baby goats and baby donkeys, and see our kids and grandkiddo's pictures, an the latest vegan recipes keeps me coming back. Sometimes, it feels like I'm apart of something bigger than myself on Facebook. Other times, I know I'm wasting too much time. My greatest fear is I'm wasting my breath. 

I'd love to think that what I have to say matters. Because of childhood experiences, there is an unconscious fear that nobody is listening. If a tree falls in the woods and nobody is listening, does it matter? As a tree hugger I say, sure it does. If I post an important Facebook status, does it matter? I'm not sure? And that's why Facebook Sabbaticals are good for me. I need to detach from time-to-time to remind my ego-self that the world will go on without me; it doesn't need my battle cry, my soap box issues, or my two-cents (or my dog Buddha's pictures). And you know what? That kind of feels like a tiny-death to me not to participate in real-time. 

I've not made many girlfriends in our Florida vacation/retirement town (one of the reasons we'll be moving to the Gulf Coast next month). Even though it has the best beaches in Florida, it's a predominately senior community. Facebook has been nice tool to fill the social void at times (especially when I'm bored). And while I've never been addicted to Facebook “likes” or “comments”, I do enjoy dialogue and conversation among my far away friends. 

I took this year's Facebook Sabbatical so I could get some perspective on a few personal issues, clear my head, chat with God, be still and know. Works every time. Within days I didn't miss Facebook. I felt more present and engaged with what was happening right in front of me. Rich and I weren't sitting on the couch with our phones or laptops; we were cuddling, hugging, and laughing more. We were more starry-eyed-happy to connect with only each other in the moment. Because I wasn't on Facebook, Rich wasn't on as much too. 

Do you know how much Facebook time is filled while sitting at restaurants, waiting at the airport or waiting rooms or standing in lines? A lot! Get off Facebook and you'll realize how much time you used to look down at your phone. And on a side note, the left side of my neck feels better too. 

My favorite thing to see on the beach. Older couples holding hands. 

More time with Buddha

Sand Dunes on the Gulf Coast

People Watching 

The GEICO Gecko came in the mail

The Salt Life 

I've had a wonderful month. Slowed down. Notice everything. I got to go to California to see April, Nehemiah, and Ava. Meet April's new boyfriend, Tor, and his daughter, Caroline. I got to hang out one evening with my old boss, Steve McNitt, and his wife, Susie. There is nothing like reminiscing and catching up with old friends. While I captured some moments, I missed a lot of Kodak moments (like a group photo with the McNitt's). I was so into watching Nehemiah soccer tournament and connecting with those around us, I didn't take my usual hundred photos of every moment. Mostly, I loved just taking it all in.  I also got to go to Colorado to visit Sarah and baby Annika (John was in Europe). All the Grandkiddo-time blessed my heart. The Grandkiddos are growing up so fast; their smiles and tears are all precious. My favorite thing was watching April and Sarah be incredible mothers to their children. 

Oma reading to Baby Annika (9mos) 

Sarah is an amazing mommy

April always makes life a party

Nehemiah having Christmas in October

Oma & Annika's first selfie

I gave Ava some of my hat collection. 

Ava in one of G.G.'s original hats

Nehemiah looking cool before a soccer game

Flight For Life Helicopter 

Distraction causes thousands of accidents and deaths each year. Rich and I were driving on Highway 95. Thankfully, I wasn't looking down at Facebook on my phone. A few cars ahead I saw car parts coming off onto the road. I yelled at Rich to slow down as we saw cars sliding without control to the grassy median area. We averted a serious accident between two cars.  I was able to be one of the first on the scene (Rich called the police). A young male was twisted in the front seat of his car, unconscious and not responding. Soon men and an off-duty medic arrived to try to get him out. I went to the next car. I held an injured Hispanic grandmother's hand in the backseat of the other smashed car. She didn't speak any English. I didn't speak any Spanish. She was bleeding from her eye and her arm was broke. Time goes slowly when you're in need. The only thing I could do was visually coach her to breathe through the pain, in and out, until the paramedics took her away.  The Flight-to-Life helicopter landed in front of our car to take a young male injured driver away swiftly. I pray everyone hurt is all right and healing well. 

Sunrise over the Bay

I saw glorious sunrises and sunsets that couldn't be captured in photographs (but I tried). As I get older, I'm more introverted then extroverted. I forced myself to have conversations with strangers to feel more connected to humanity. I came across a sidewalk caulk contest in Clearwater. If it hadn't been 90 degrees out in the sun, the inner coloring-booker in me wanted to join them. 

Chalk contest in Clearwater

 I always envied pastors who took months off from ministering to their flock. Sabbaticals are meant to rest the mind, body, and spirit. If you're someone like me who’s compelled to share their heart, time off Facebook is necessary. I don't have a Facebook flock--although, I do have a few Facebook groups that I lead. It's good for me to give myself permission to let go of all social responsibilities: Let go of my need to lead or guide. Let go of my need to know. Let go of my need to control. Let go of my need to be a part of social conversations. Let go of my need to be heard or understood. If I want that, I'll go hug a tree. 😉🌴