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Last Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, started off the Lenten season. I am, I guess, a cafeteria Catholic- I pick and choose what I like about the faith and drop the rest. I attended Catholic school from PreK-8th grade and a Catholic college, where I actually worked in the Campus Ministries office. My faith is part of who I am, but I largely ignore all the rules and do not attend weekly Mass. I guess my point is while I'm Catholic, in recent years, it's almost in name only. I don't actively practice my faith.
And yet, this Lent called to me to give up something, to make a change. I've decided to limit my social media use to one time a day, for a half and hour or less. No more scrolling through Twitter, Instagram or Facebook at all hours of the day. I didn't want to completely cut off social media because I do like to check in with friends, see my Facebook memories and check out what's trending on Twitter. But doing it one time a day has really felt freeing. I enjoy that bit of time, but the rest of the day, I'm not a slave to my phone. I'm reading actual books and actual magazines. I'm less anxious. I feel more positive. We will see if I can get this habit to stick beyond the 40 days of Lent and Easter Sunday. Something in me says I should.
8 Comments
Dawn
2/23/2021 03:39:54 am
Yay for you, Kathleen! I deleted Twitter and Facebook from my phone for the exact same reasons! Mindless time spent scrollling was anything but productive! I'm with you, nothing like holding a book or a magazine! Enjoy the freedom!!
Erika Victor
2/23/2021 04:38:25 am
Ack- I think this is actually a big commitment/change! I am sure I could benefit from this, but not ready to take the plunge- I hope it works well for you. I used to say I was an à la carte Catholic, but now I do not consider myself Catholic, so I got a chuckle out of your cafeteria Catholic designation. 2/23/2021 08:32:34 am
Reducing the amount of time one spends on social media sounds like it aligns with everything I've come to understand about Lent. Some connection is good. Doom scrolling (which I used to do) is not. Thank you for writing this. I've been feeling like a slave to my phone too. Your post gives me inspiration to make a measurable goal to cut down on the amount of time I'm spending on my phone. Like you, I think I'll feel better (and the people around me who might be wanting my full attention). 2/23/2021 10:48:43 am
The way you describe practicing your faith is almost identical to mine. I also graduated from a church affiliated university, which in my case is Southern Baptist, and I worked as a summer Missionary and in campus ministries. I haven’t limited my social media time but am no spending less time on FB, Twitter, and IG these days. March and April writing challenges will up my screen time, so in May I’m taking a post-lent break. 2/23/2021 05:15:56 pm
It seems like limiting social media is finding it way into many people's lives even if it isn't for Lent. I had also found that I am reading and writing more, and I have a lighter disposition because I am limiting my time. Looking forward to seeing how the March challenge will lift us all! 2/25/2021 02:53:07 am
So much wisdom in this decision, Kathleen. Some time ago I realized I needed space from social media - scrolling back, so to speak, has definitely made me feel more positive as well. I think this is an excellent Lenten practice, as it involves self-discipline and reflection. It so opens space for one's own thoughts and processing on a deeper level. As always - you lift up and encourage!
Alice
3/1/2021 05:09:49 pm
Hi Kathleen. I gave up social media for Lent several years ago. I quickly went back to it. I set a time limit on my phone, but I unlock it, so what's the point. I try though. I hope it goes well for you. Leave a Reply. |
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