That Santa, he’s a wise, old elf. Not only did he fill my stocking, he also uploaded an e-tome to my Kindle, Sarah Mae’s “The Unwired Mom – Choosing to Live Free in an Internet Addicted World.”
Okay. It’s a big problem.
My addiction isn’t with the whole internet, per se. It’s more to the 2 apps on my phone, the two top viewed pages on my MacBook – Facebook and Twitter.
I can’t stand Twitter. Most of you know that. So why can’t I pull myself away? Anytime I’m put on hold, whether it be waiting at a doctor’s office, the time in between ordering food and eating at a restaurant (and sometimes while eating), or waiting for the cashier to ring my groceries, I’m scrolling a feed, reading 140 characters from individuals I don’t even know.
I’m addicted.
Facebook is my love. In an online instant I can participate in a party with friends from all different periods in my life. As a stay at home, homeschooling mom, Facebook is my social outlet. Most times, I’d rather be there than paying attention to what really needs to happen in my family’s life.
I’m addicted.
In “The Unwired Mom”, Mae gives many resources to help one curb internet usage. Ideas range from setting time limits, to installing apps blocking certain sites, to shutting down online activity completely.
Because I use the internet to do practically everything from banking and shopping to homeschool lessons and recipe hunting, I won’t unplug completely. I’ll keep email to communicate. (I’m not sure I know how to work a telephone any more.)
I have no illusions, however, of instant willpower to avoid my 2 addictions. I will delete the pertinent apps on my iPhone. The program, Self Control, looks like it will fit my needs perfectly. I can set a time to block the sites I choose. When I’m prepared to enter the social media party again, I can establish an allowance of specific time allotments.
Now, I usually don’t do well when I’m deprived. If you tell me I can’t have sugar, I’ll agree with you for 10 minutes and then dip into a container of frosting with a large spoon. This time, though, it’s a little different. Instead of focusing on my physical health, I need to worry about my mental sanity.
I can already guess the path of the next few days:
First, I’ll be charged up, ready to take on the world.
Then I’ll start feeling shaky and getting headaches.
I’ll start snapping at Edd and the girls.
I’ll hibernate, not wanting to speak to anyone.
I may vomit.
….oh wait. I think those are the results of sugar withdrawal. Hmmm.
In any case, I’m hoping to emerge from this experiment with a better handle of my online social life. Hopefully, I’ll have a better relationship with my family. You know – the 3 other humans in this house.
The plan is to set a block for at least 7 days. I have a couple of projects I need to complete. If I feel I need more time at the end of a week, I’ll take it.
As if self realization isn’t enough proof, I have two girls yelling at each other over laundry. This is my cue to stop blogging, start logging off, and begin paying attention to my teen and pre-teen.
Or shut them in their individual rooms for an hour. Yeah, I’ll probably do that.
What steps do you take to curtail your social media time? I’ll take all the advice I can get. Comment below. I may not respond for a week, but I promise, your words will be well received.
If Santa forgot to leave you this book on your e-reader, you can get it by following the link below. Careful. It’s convicting.
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