"My dear children, the milk and honey are beyond this wilderness. God be merciful to you and grant that you be not slothful to go in to possess the land."
-John Bunyan, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
In his book, Deep Work, Cal Newport wrote a compelling argument for quitting social media. In it, he argued that social media destroys our focus and concentration on doing things that matter. If we really want to produce good quality work, we must get rid of unnecessary distractions.
I read the book when I was about to write my dissertation for finishing my honours degree in theology (on lockdown). And because I was always distracted with my phone and Instagram and could not focus for a long time, I decided to quit social media. Not for good, only for a while... until I finish writing my dissertation.
A month and a half have passed and I realised that life without social media was so much better. My focus was much better. I was more productive. I enjoyed my own company. And I was more creative.
And so I decided to quit it completely.
After a year of not being on social media. Here's what I have observed.
1) I spent more time in my Bible.
I used to enjoy sharing my quiet times on my Instagram stories. As I reflect on this habit, I realised that when I share photos of my quiet time to share online, it took away some of the sweet moments I could be having with the Lord.
2) I realised I had plenty of time to pray and meditate
When I was bored and didn't know what to do, I went on Instagram. I used to have silly conversations with myself and say "I don't have time to meditate", "I am too busy to pray", really? If I had time to pick up my phone and check Instagram 50 times a day, why am I having these excuses?
3) I was more content
It's been over a year and I realised I haven't bought any unnecessary things: clothing, accessories, etc. I used to follow a bunch of fitness influencers on Instagram and I was always on the hunt for the best pair of leggings. Since I don't follow anyone on Instagram anymore, since I deleted it, I am no longer bombarded with what's new out there.
4) I enjoyed my downtime more
Because I was addicted to social media, I had to change my bad phone habits with good ones. So I learned new things. I learned video editing, I read more, I studied more, I played video games, I wrote. When you're in the present, you savour the moment.
If you have been thinking of quitting social media even just for a week or a month, go for it. You might want to do it with a friend as a challenge :) Warning: It will not be easy. You never know, you might actually like it!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him
he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that
you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12: 1-3
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