Like many of you, I fell in love with social media the moment I was introduced to it.
I couldn’t believe that I could chat with someone in real time who lived halfway around the world. I was in awe that I could type a post asking people to share their dreams and within minutes we were in dream-brainstorming mode – visioning our futures together! I could share moments from my life, and others did the same. I could build a tribe of like-minded, creative, conscious, sensitive, heart-centered, amazing souls. We understood each other. We knew how it felt to live in a world that we didn’t always feel a part of. We had found each other, and I was completely elated.
I am not the type of person who does things half way – I am known to be an all-or-nothing kind of girl. And so I fully and completely embraced all of you and all of social media. I was hooked and impassioned. Wholeheartedly. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was that this was my life – that I got to reach out to and connect with such amazing people every day! It didn’t feel like work at all – it was so much fun and so soul-affirming and satisfying. I was on such a high all of the time!
And my tribe kept growing. New, amazing souls showed up – each with their own beautiful presence and their own wonderful energy. And I welcomed you and invited you into my community. And we connected and got to know each other and shared our hearts.
And I loved every single second of it. I loved reading your updates on Facebook and Twitter. I loved hearing about each moment in your life – the highs and the lows. I loved reading your comments here on the blog sharing some of your deepest fears with me and also your sacred dreams.
I loved it all. So, so much. For the past two years, our connection and our conversation and our friendship has meant everything to me.
And because I don’t do things half way, I completely immersed myself in this world of being plugged in and being “on.” From the moment I woke up, I would jump online to check in with you all, and I would stay connected throughout the day and late into the night. Sometimes I would feel bummed that I needed to sleep – afraid of what I would miss during those hours. I was just buzzing with excitement that I had found my calling and my home. I was completely elated with this online world.
But I realized something the other day. Something that I teach but definitely still needed to learn:
I was so busy staying connected with the online world that I forgot to remain connected to myself and my inner world. And the more disconnected from myself that I became, the more I looked to your comments and kind words to fill me up.
On some deep, subconscious level, I thought that your love could swoop in and complete me. And for awhile it seemed to. I was flying so high because of all of your love. I was feeling the rush of it all. I was so excited about our connections and meeting you and feeling that we understood each other, that I put absolutely everything I had into these friendships.
Until one day not so long ago, I was feeling pretty depleted. And I received several emails and status updates and blog comments filled with praise. And I didn’t feel anything after reading them. They didn’t bring me joy. I couldn’t hear them. I couldn’t take them into my heart. And that was my wake-up call. Because I’ve always been so grateful for your kindness – it’s always been such a comfort to me.
And in that moment I finally got it:
All of this beautiful love that pours out of you into me couldn’t be received until I found balance in my life and love within myself.
I was so burned out and exhausted from spending years on this social media treadmill – a treadmill that never, ever stops. There are always new people to meet and new updates to read and new posts to write and new connections to nurture.
And I was just so tired. And so empty. Because I had been so busy teaching everyone about balance and self care that I forgot to practice it myself.
Because of a root canal last week, I spent several days on the couch healing. I was feeling so drained that I made a conscious choice to stay off of all social media sites. I definitely felt pulled to check and see what everyone was up to. But I knew that what I needed more than anything was to step off of the treadmill for a little while. To recharge and replenish my own spirit.
So I resisted the urge to get online. And I slept. I read. I watched movies. I played Sudoku. I hung out with my sweet cats and dog. I played games with my sweetie. I went to bed early. I got up late. I tried new recipes.
I was human again. I was me.
Not the public me. Just me.
Not the me with the blog and the followers and the writing. Just me.
And this me was feeling pretty excited that I had taken some time to remember that she was still there.
I love all of you so much. And I love my life. I love that I have created a life where I get to write and dream and support you in living your life where you feel connected to your soul. I absolutely can’t imagine not being on this path. It’s my passion, and you’re my passion. And your love that keeps pouring in is absolutely wonderful – it’s something that I never want to take for granted. It’s something that I always want to be able to accept fully into my heart.
Which is why I’m going to create some balance in my life. I’m going to carve out space where I can just be me. I’m going to explore who I am without this public part of myself. I’m going to rest and recharge and play and be silly and give myself tons of love.
Because in doing so, I know that I will be full again. I will be filled with so much inner love that I will once again be able to fully take in the love that you give to me. And I will also be able to give you so much more love than I can now.
To accomplish this balance, I’m going to completely unplug every Friday for the next month.
I’m going to embrace one day a week that is completely offline for the first time in 10 years. I’m going to step away from the computer and all of the beautiful friendships and connections. And I’m going to spend time recharging and filling up my own cup.
It means that I will step away from it all for 24 hours each week. Not even peek to see what you’re up to. Because it’s so easy to get sucked into this world and forget about my own. It can be such a slippery slope.
I’m setting myself up for success by starting slowly – just one day per week offline. For someone who is on most of the time, this is definitely going to be a life changer. My hope is to work up to three days a week eventually.
This also means that I will be scheduling posts on Facebook and Twitter each Friday, which I was opposed to for so long. I wanted to be there in real time interacting with each of you. I wanted you to know that when I posted, our energy was there together. But my heart is asking me to do this – to just try it and see how it goes. Knowing that a scheduled post comes from my heart in the same way a live post does.
I’m learning that it’s all about balance. And recognizing when we’re veering off. And then consciously bringing ourselves back to our center again.
We’re all so used to being plugged in all of the time that this might feel uncomfortable and a bit scary at first. But wouldn’t it be great if we gave ourselves permission to take some time away from everyone else and create space to love ourselves – to get to know ourselves – to embrace ourselves?
If you’re feeling like you could use more balance in your life, too, I would love for you to join me! It would be so helpful to know that we’re in it together. You could start by unplugging for one day per week or several – whatever feels right for you. We could try it for a month and see how it goes. This community is so loving and amazing, and I would love for each of us to live a life that fills us up and makes us truly happy.
And balance and self love are two ways to make this happen. I feel that this is true. I know it on a deep level. And this is what I wish for all of us – to find this inner happiness and inner peace and then be able to have that seep out of us without any effort at all. To be able to give fully and receive fully – knowing that we’re completely full.
Doesn’t that sound amazing? Let’s do it! 🙂
Hugs,
I can completely relate to this post. I need to unplug as well, so I will join you! Great idea. Enjoy your time away.
Yay! I love that you’ll be joining me, Cathy! Hugs to you! 🙂
Woah, Jodi, did you write this one for me especially? I was *exactly* like that when I first discovered social media. For me it was forums back then, I practically lived in my spirituality forum. The people there were amazing and some are still my friends today (many of them I’ve since met and connected with in “real” life – offline – as well) but yes, it goes on around the clock and can be very draining.
I’m not taking full days off these days, due to the fact that I lose so much time already from working a full-time job, but I unplug for entire afternoons or evenings at the weekends.
Thank you for posting this, it’s soooo important and really hard to handle sometimes!
Hi Sibylle!
It’s so nice knowing that you understand. 🙂 And I love that you’re already taking steps to regain balance in your life. That inspires me to know that it’s possible! Hugs to you!
Love it Jodi. Will I join you, maybe not on a Friday though think my day to be unplugged is Sunday. I have done it a couple of times since reading Leonie’s Dawson, like you i am finally deciding to embrace some auto posting. I have been unplugging for an hour or so each day and taking myself with a journal to the river infront of us- yet to decide it i am more productive- i know i am more balanced- thanks Namaste
Thanks, Suzie!
I love that you’ll be joining me, too. It can be any day or amount of time that feels right for you. Just a conscious space away from social media, which you’re already doing by going to the beach. And auto posting does feel strange at first, but it also feels liberating at the same time. Like we’re taking back our lives! Hugs to you!
I’m totally on board with this, too, Jodi. I realized recently when I was sick in bed that staying offline gave me a sense of my life as I used to know it! Reading books, resting more, and as I regained strength, listening to music, and always, spending lots of time with my cats. And I started to go for walks, without music plugged into my ears, and noticed things differently, heard more. When i come back in from the walks (my real time to get away from it all), I’m not immediately jumping back online! But taking a full day away….love that even more. I’m in. In fact, I’m going to try to stay offline on Sundays and maybe work up to the full weekend.
Hi Joanne!
I’m so happy that you’re joining me!
It sounds like we shared a very similar experience during our healing time. It was so funny because I used to love to lie on the couch and read or solve Sudoku puzzles, and I couldn’t remember the last time I did either. Social media is absolutely wonderful – but like all things, in moderation. Definitely come back and let me know how you’re doing with it! Hugs!
Dear Jodi:
For you, and as a reminder for all of us, one of my most favorite quotes from Thomas Merton:
“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.”
As a recent subscriber I quickly discovered how much of yourself you give away to this community. I’m sure everyone here will join me in supporting your wise decision.
Be well and thank you.
Hi Linda!
I have never seen that quote before, and I love it! Thank you so much for sharing it here – it’s just perfect.
And thank you for your kind words. That means so much, and I am so grateful that you’re here.
Hugs to you!
Good for you–and I had already decided much the same thing. We need to spend time being real and solid and not always “virtual.” Don’t give it ALL away, that does lead to depletion. Keep some time to generate and gestate just for you.
Thank you so much, Rebecca!
So glad you’ve been doing this! And you’re absolutely right that when we give it all away, we are left feeling completely depleted. And I want to be here for a long, long time, which means finding some balance now is essential.
Hugs to you!
I have over the past month been hearing the call of silence, the need to listen, instead of talk, something I’d been trying to do my whole life. The more time I talk for silence the more I find I don’t have anything to say except, ‘ I love you ‘ to those amazing people in my life.
The cup of life is always flowing so whenever we jump in we are once again in it. Listen, and follow your heart ♥
Hi June!
Thank you for your kind words. That means so much! It’s so true that the cup is always flowing – and we get to decide when we want to step away and then jump back in. Big hug!
I *love* it Jodi! I am so happy for you! I am excited to see how you feel and what unfolds as you honor this practice for your self!
I love social media and the ability to connect internationally with like-energy, so I set aside specific time to do that. And, I love nature, so I spend at least 1/4 of each day offline and outside. My mind used to resist with thoughts of “what if” and “who does that” yet, what I have experienced is the freedom in knowing that the seeds planted in my online world root, sprout and blossom is rich because I give them room to breathe and grow, as I breathe and grow. (And I have a ritual blessing–may the seeds of connection and creative expression I have planted this day,that are in alignment with my values and essence, root, sprout and blossom beyond what I can imagine or hope for).
Thanks, Joy!
Your daily practice sounds really soul-nourishing. And based on the pictures that you take – absolutely beautiful! I’m so glad that you’re honoring yourself in this way. You’re a wonderful inspiration for me! Big hug!
Oh, Jodi, I can so relate to this! It’s so easy to get sucked into the media and lose ourselves in the process. Becoming unplugged once a week (at least) sounds wonderfully healing and restorative.
Enjoy your rest, my friend!
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha!
I truly appreciate your sweet words! It really is helpful for me to know that we’re all here together – reclaiming our lives one choice at a time.
Hugs!
I’d love to join you! I might have to make it a Saturday or a Sunday though…as I’m paid to look after clients’ Facebook and Twitter accounts Monday to Friday! I tried it a couple of times and it’s SO relaxing. If you have Twit it’s all so – constant. You’ve reminded me that I need time out to chill…thank you x
Yay! So glad you’re in, Sarah!
Any day is completely fine – whenever it feels right for you. I have decided to take Fridays off each week, so that’s why I chose that day. I look forward to hearing how it’s going for you.
Hugs!
Wow, Jodi, you really would not believe the messages I’ve gotten today when contemplating the roll FB plays in my life. Seriously crazy messages… yours included! 🙂
Hi Lesa!
Hummmm… I’m so curious what the other messages were! Feel free to share a bit more here.
Hugs!
I loved this very timely post, Jodi! I love connecting with people online just like you but it does train me and I have a hard time being creative myself when I read so much about others people’s work. I get migraines regularly and that’s when I get my wake up calls. I now try to stay away most of the weekends so I can catch up with myself. Big hugs, Karina
Hi Karina!
I love that you’re already taking the weekends to honor yourself and recharge. It sounds like we both are feeling the drain, and it’s so great that we’re taking steps to reclaim our life. I love social media – but I definitely want to feel more balanced with it.
Hugs!
Hi Jodi! I had not been over to your blog in a while due to my own need to “unplug”, and needless to say was smiling to myself while reading this post as I can totally relate! I too was feeling like I was ‘outside of myself’, and needing to get back to me…now I am focusing on balance, and I am so happy to see you are with me!
Peace and Love,
Ang 🙂
Hi Ang!
So great to see you here again!
I’m glad that you’ve been unplugging – bravo! I love that you took the time to recharge and feel more balanced. I’m sure it feels amazing!
Hugs!
I had the same revelation a few weeks ago and I know that for me, it’s time to unplug or at least be more conscious of the time I spend online. I felt drained and lacking creativity, which is a surefire sign that I’m not connected with myself and my inner world. Thus, I decided to go on a retreat in April – I will be away from the stressful and busy online and offline world for a few days and I know this’ll do wonders for my spirit and my creativity. Finding a balance between being plugged in and plugged out is not easy, but if you commit to just being more aware of your choices and actions, it’s easier than it might seem.
Hi Anne-Sophie,
It sounds like we’re in a very similar place, and I love that you’re taking action and heading to a retreat! It sounds amazing! I can’t wait to hear about your experience there. And you’re so right that just committing to unplugging is such a huge first step. It’s one choice at a time that leads us to balance. Hugs!
Healthy, self-loving and nourishing idea. Not easy for us all-or-nothing gals, but doable and needed 🙂
Hi Sandi!
You’re right – it’s definitely not easy, but I’m completely committed to it. My word for the year is, “Nourish,” and this has been at the forefront of my mind these past few months. Stepping away from the online world for one day a week feels so nourishing to me, and so rather than think of what I’ll be missing – I’m focusing on what I’ll be gaining: my connection to myself. Big hug!
I am so with you! And so glad you’re leading the way here. It was bad enough when we just had the desktop/laptop connections, but now that we carry the world in our pockets, I think it’s extra important to disconnect, even if we start with a few minutes and go from there. Thanks so much for bringing this topic up!
Hi Nancy!
I’m so happy that you’re with me! I like your idea of just starting with a few minutes. It definitely doesn’t have to be an all or nothing kind of thing. Just conscious choices to get more balanced and reclaim our lives. I love that. Hugs to you!
Hah! What a powerful idea. I certainly can’t do this on Friday, because that’s the day I go to the WordPress support group—the opposite of being unplugged for 2.5 hours.
I’m thinking Saturdays.I was partially unplugged this weekend and it felt great!
Okay, I’ll start this week. Thanks for this.
Love and light,
Sue
Thank
Great, Sue! I’m glad you’ll be joining me! It will be fun to try it out and see how we feel after the month is over.
Hugs!
Go Jodi Go. No really. GO! 😀 Get off the computer. Do that. I will join you. I already pre-schedule things but the idea of ocmpletly unplugging…wow. That sounds lovely.
Thanks, Arwen! I love that you’re joining me! I’ve moved my day to Saturday this week instead of Friday, and I’m looking forward to it (and a bit apprehensive, too). 🙂 Let’s do it together!
Jodi,
I’m in the opposite space. I’m off line way to much and now am getting serious about being consistent with working hours.
We have the opposite issues;)xo
Hi Tess! Together we’ll balance each other out! XO
Oh Jodi you just described my story. Thanks for this wonderful post. I am too going to unplug for one day a week to refresh my senses and reset my body.