SIMPLIFY.
This time around, I didn’t plan to come up with a “word of the year,” but as I was writing some end-of-the-year goals, I realized they all centered around simplifying life so that I can focus on what I want to focus on, and be less distracted by the literal and figurative clutter in my life. I’ll be sharing some specific aspects of this simplification process, but the first one is my social media life.
I like my online world.
Of course I enjoy the many lovely blogs in blogland, but I also have fun with these social media sites:
- I enjoy Pinterest because I find great ideas and inspiration, but it’s not a black hole of time wasting because I only pin occasionally. I can find ideas on particular topics, or share things I think other folks would enjoy. Sometimes weeks go by and I don’t even click over, and that’s okay.
- Some folks use twitter to tell the world what they’re having for breakfast. While I’ve probably been guilty of that myself, I mostly use it to find and share great links I wouldn’t ordinarily come across. I’m on twitter most days, but not for vast quantities of time, thanks to the ability to schedule tweets (using TweetDeck or HootSuite). Sometimes there’s a little conversation, too, and that can be fun.
- I’m trying not to love Instagram as much because I feel like it’s only a matter of time before they change user agreements to stuff I don’t like, but for now, it’s fun. A quick way to share a slice of my day and see slices of my friends’ days — even those who don’t blog. So for now, it’s still a keeper.
I’m online a few other places, too — like Google+ and LinkedIn — but neither of those use much of my time.
Why I’m saying goodbye to facebook:
Time wasting: I’ll admit that facebook can be fun for catching up with long-lost or far-away friends. But it can also be a total time waster. Maybe you are more disciplined than I am, but I find myself wasting too much time there.
Negativity: I’d love to see a study of how many status updates are negative vs. how many are upbeat/positive. I don’t know what it is about this particular social media outlet, but people tend to use facebook to complain. A lot.
Facebook friendships are artificial and superficial. When was the last time you picked up the phone to CALL your friend, rather than seeing what she was up to on facebook? (I’m guilty, too!) I know, not everyone falls into this trap, but it’s just too easy. I’ve also experienced real life friends expecting me to know what’s going on in their lives because they’ve facebooked about it, and this makes me sad because I feel like I’ve hurt their feelings by not checking their status often enough.
In regards to my blog page: I’ve kept my facebook page because I like having that outlet to share posts. But facebook keeps changing it’s algorithms and I’m tired of trying to keep up. I find myself worrying why when I drop a few followers (my people pleasing tendencies), but I just don’t want to care about that. So as hard as it is to drop my blog page when I have over 1000 fans — a number I never thought I’d reach — I’ve finally decided it’s not worth my time or effort since it’s not where I most interact with my readers anyway.
Is this goodbye to facebook forever? I’m not sure yet, but I’m leaning that way. A couple of years ago I signed off for a few months, but this time around I’m planning on signing of for at least this year, if not permanently.
If you’ve been connected with me on facebook, I hope you’ll take a second to subscribe to my blog by email or in a RSS feed reader — or at least connect with me somewhere, like twitter. Of course you can always send me an email, too!
And my dear local friends, I hope you know I’m just about always up for a chat by phone or even over a cup of tea (or coffee)!
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I was in the same place with Facebook some time ago. I had to make a conscious effort to stop wasting time there because I realized I would sit staring at the computer waiting to see if someone had posted something new on Facebook. Not to mention that a lot of what got posted was superficial, like “Bagel at Panera–Yum!” I knew I needed to focus on things of more value. I still keep Facebook, but I don’t post very often and may go days without checking it. So I totally understand where you’re coming from.
And by the way, I’ve subscribed to your blog by email. I’ve never even checked your Facebook page so I won’t miss out.
Zephyr Hill recently posted..To Each His (or Her) Own
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Yay! Thanks for subscribing!
I’ve had a love/hate relationship with Facebook in the past. But honestly since my word for 2013 is encouragement I have found that Facebook is encouraging to me when I am encouraging to “it”. People use it for what they use it for. I keep up with people I live far away from and don’t get to see and talk to people who no longer go to my church and family who live a little too far away to see everyday. We can use any tool for evil or good. But if you are feeling like stepping away – step away. I have learned how to use Facebook for good by just not getting some people in my newsfeed and by just ignoring the negativity or by sending an encouraging verse or message. I have enjoyed you being on Facebook so I will miss you but I understand.
Gretchen recently posted..This week’s 10 Goals
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Gretchen,
Yes, it definitely does depend upon how you use it. I did try to do that for a while, too, but it just got tiring.
And I love your word for 2013!
Twitter: laurke1
says:
I don’t blame you. I love all the sites as well, but do spend too much time, particularly on facebook and pinterest (although less on pinterest, like you said!) I even invited you to pin on one of my boards a few days ago, but I understand if that was declined, LOL. My word-of-the-year is REFOCUS, particularly meaning on my own self-care instead of letting the foster kids’ schedules run my families life. Yes, they are important, but not MORE important than the rest of us! What a balancing act life is.
I’ve quit the games on facebook, sometimes for months at a time, and really don’t miss it. I think I would miss my friends there, though, if I quit it all together. Something for me to ponder…
Laurke recently posted..Year 2 Weeks 7 & 8
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Laurke,
“Refocus” is a fantastic word of the year!
I haven’t checked on the group board, but thanks for the invite.
I have been working on Simplifying for a year now–paring down commitments and obligations and time-wasters, even de-cluttering so there is less to clean and organize and I can focus on what I want to really focus on. I guess I am kind of a neat-freak in that if my physical world is messy, I can’t focus my brain.
I find all the same things with facebook. I am on infrequently. It seems that people are always trying to make a political point and I find that I am irritated when I am on there often.
Theresa recently posted..Make Breakfast Like an Italian Grandmother
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Theresa,
I’m exactly the same way with physical clutter. My family doesn’t really “get” it, but they know if things (kitchen counters, the school table, etc.) get too cluttery, I’m going to go on a small throw-stuff-away rampage.
Twitter: HarrietYoder
says:
For blogs, the main reason to drop Facebook IMHO is that they switched to an algorithm that only shows a percentage of your followers your posts at the discretion of FB.
Then FB offers you a chance to advertise to reach the rest. I think this is very controlling because FB already shows ads on your page which generate revenue.
Yes, FB should make money, but the “model” for monetizing similar websites is showing ads. Enough is enough.
Thanks for a thoughtful post.
Harriet recently posted..Hello world!
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Harriet,
Exactly. Enough is enough. Thanks for commenting!
Hi! I just found your blog on my friend’s blogroll, and I have to say, I am right there with you. I took an internetcation during the holidays, and while I missed some things, I did not miss Facebook. I’m back on now, but not nearly as much, and it just doesn’t have the appeal I thought it did. Glad I found your site- off to read your homeschooling stuff!
Myndee recently posted..And I’m back in the game…with a new role
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Myndee,
Welcome! Thanks for visiting and for taking time to comment!
I’ve wanted to be on Facebook to reconnect, but I also know my personality and have two things that have kept me from it — #1 that I’d spend way too much time on there and #2 afraid of getting my feelings hurt over something I read. So, for those reasons I’ve stayed away. But it is so tempting when you feel that so many others are on there and you are missing out. So, I appreciate seeing your goal and look forward to hearing how it goes.
Twitter: HarmonyFineArts
says:
Jamie…we are on the same page. I just emailed Tricia today and told her how much I hate social media. But, like you, I really like using Pinterest as a tool, Instagram for fun, and Twitter to spread the word about various things. Facebook could go away as far as I’m concerned. I just can’t relate to it very well. Great post today Jamie.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom recently posted..Jooners Online Signup Sheet – Review and Giveaway!
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Barb,
Glad you understand! Most folks think I’m a little crazy, or at least being a bit too drastic. But gosh I’m liking it so far!
Twitter: thoughitbemad
says:
Well….I just used FB to search for your blog because I *knew* I was missing you! So glad to know you’ve just “relocated.” I have some of the same misgivings about FB, but haven’t found the fortitude to pull the plug yet. My husband blocks it during the day (at my request) so I don’t get sucked in. It’s definitely like playing with fire. I have missed out on a lot of blogs I love reading because of the time suck that is Facebook. For the record, I blocked most of my “friends” from my Newsfeed so I wouldn’t have to read their negativity. I was being genuinely brought down by superficial things in passing that I may or may not have been taking out of context. My husband discouraged me from pulling the plug altogether because of my witness to my FB friends. So I guess it’s kind of silly…and you probably didn’t want to know all of that! Either way…glad you’re still “here”!!!! Happy 2013 to you! And I’ll make sure to check you regularly!
Jennie recently posted..Put on Love
Good for you!
For me…facebook has it’s uses. With 4 littles I don’t have much time to visit or call people to keep in touch, but facebook allows me to do that, when I have time for it. Of course it is not a replacement for those things, but fills in the spaces between “chats”.
Jess recently posted..Christmas, Craziness, and Half-Birthdays
This is just the encouragement I need. I gave up FB for the month of January in an attempt to get back into a good routine w school and housework. I had my husband change my password, because I lack self-control in this area. I think it’s great that you’re giving it up. Are you enjoying it?
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Carrie ~ Yes! Once I made the decision, I was antsy to do it and I’m feeling so free now!
Two days before you posted this I opened my first FB account, so I’m laughing at the irony. The reasons you give are similar to the reasons I’ve avoided FB for so long. But my 15 yo daughter wanted an account, so I felt like I needed to be on it as well. Hopefully, I can find a nice balance.
Thanks for sharing your experience, and I think it’s great that you are getting rid of something that you feel is not good for you. We should all be looking at the things that eat up our time and deciding whether they are really worth it.
Twitter: jamieworley
says:
Kellie ~ Definitely a valid reason. My husband is still on, so he’s keeping an on those things for our family.
Twitter: lastingbp
says:
I agree with you on FB and it irks me so much that people feel the need to FB me instead of using their phone. If I didn’t have FB I probably would never hear from anyone.
As far as Instagram, right now I am in the boat where I feel like it’s pointless to me and I might just delete it.
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