Last night I announced that I would be giving up all text communication for 40 Days, a sacrifice unheard of in this day and technical age. I wasn’t surprised by all the comments of utter shock that I would choose to do so. Over lunch today, I started to rethink text communication and how texting just doesn’t cover this instantaneous messaging madness and actually provokes more digital communication by way of email and direct messages. So, instead of just texting…I’ve decided to give up Facebook for 40 Days. Go ahead and say, “She’s nuts.” No, I am really not.
For months I’ve been struggled with being condemned for being happy about all of the exciting things happening in my life. Can you imagine being told by your supposed friends that “your success is hard to watch.” The fact is, I am always happy, even when I was working retail at Macy’s at 16, because I find the joys in every aspect of my life big or small and when something major happens it’s becomes an emotional overload, my bad. Being in the spotlight isn’t easy and had I decided to argue about my happiness, I might have said for all the work that I do I kind of deserve it. I don’t however because in the great scheme of things what people think really doesn’t matter. Frankly, the sadness and lack of gratitude and appreciation for life in general is what’s hard to watch on Facebook and I find joy in seeing people who are happy. If you don’t, you should probably re-evaluation your life.
Am I quitting Facebook because of haters? Nope. I am taking a sabbatical in an effort to stimulate real conversation verse real time web conversations and building more solid relationships with my network, family and friends. I plan on having more one on ones and really getting to know the people that matter so that I can continue to use my God given talents to help them; without broadcasting it on Facebook all day. Given my profession, this will be difficult for me to do. However, I think focusing all of my energy on my job, my projects, writing and growing my organization will present more direct and positive results in my life.
Whether you’re religious or not the purpose of Lent is to acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice and realize that in our lives, there are things that are more of a convenience than a need. I am also reminded that persecution will never cease, motives will always be questioned but if you are determined to do good then nothing anyone says or does will change that. As transparent as you think you are those around you will always question you.
The best way to live a meaningful life and make a difference, is to do so with little fuss. The difference I make can be seen in the lives of those whom I touch, not a news feed on Facebook.
40 Days from now…I will be a better person.
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