Unplugged

Social media can get a bad reputation.

It's not all bad though, there are good things about it too. It is way easier to keep in touch and update your loved ones on the important moments of your life.

On the other hand Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, Snapchat, Pinterest, & Google+ [who even uses that?] can also be a huge distraction and temptation. It is a distraction from REAL LIFE. We are surrounded by real people and real conversations, and yet we stop to look at the latest tweets on our phones midsentence. It is a temptation to compare, to judge, to ridicule, to envy, to lust, to covet, to gossip, to brag, to idolize, and to ignore reality. We judge ridiculous status updates instead of having compassion, we idolize and covet everything on our Pinterest boards for our unrealistic dream homes, and we envy and compare ourselves to every girl on our Instagram feed who gets engaged.

I never thought I had many comparison issues, but lately I have not been as happy as I used to be. I have an incredible family, amazingly loyal friends, a roof over my head, a job [that I may not love everyday, but it pays my bills and allows me to use my gifts]. I am so blessed. Why should I be unhappy? Part of it is that I want, want, want. I want more stuff, I want more attention, and I want to look like everyone on my timeline and friend's list that has it all together [Public Service Announcement: No one has it all together].

I couldn't help but get a thrill whenever I had a post that got a high number of likes. I judged people based on what they put online, whether I knew them or not. I even checked my Instagram at stoplights and every time I used the bathroom. There was so much wrong with my attachment to social media.

Then 8 days ago I deleted Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram off my iPhone.

And the world went on spinning. In fact, it wasn't even as hard as I thought it would be. I would reach for my phone at times and then realize there was nothing on there to look at, which would free me up to embrace the moment that I was in. There are minor inconveniences, but overall I'm glad I did it. I didn't delete my accounts so I can post updates or stay in touch with friends from my iPad or computer. That way I still have the benefit of keeping in touch with friends and family easily, but I am not constantly attached to social media and the problems that it brings.

If you struggle with the same things as me I would encourage you to try the challenge. Give yourself a 40 day trial and just delete the apps. Keep track of how your attitude changes and what you are able to do with your time. Let me know how it goes!

I love New Year's Resolutions

New. Restart. Second chances. Fresh start.

Who doesn't love those things? I know I do. New Year is a chance to make a promise a keep it. That is what I hope to do.

I always make several resolutions, and I admit, I never keep them all, but I usually keep a few.

Here is the list for 2014:

 

1. Make a budget and stick to it.

I am using the Dave Ramsey cash envelope system. Check it out here.

 

2. Read 30 NEW books.

So far I've already read 4 so this shouldn't be too hard. I am going to keep up with each of them along with a small review in this post.

 

3. Run a 10k.

Last year my goal was to run a 5k and so I'm increasing it a bit.

 

4.Teach myself design software.

I have become increasingly interested in the design world. I hope to learn the basics of the Adobe Creative Suite by teaching myself through YouTube tutorials in my spare time. Do you have any favorite YouTube teachers?

 

5. Stop going to food for comfort.

I'm bad at this and I have been going through this devo series which speaks to the spiritual aspect of overeating.

 

6. Limit screentime.

Spend less time watching tv, surfing the internet, and on my phone.

 

7. Thank God for something everyday.

Gratitude builds joy.

 

8. Go on a date.

It's may be a weird New Year's resolution, but its something that I want to happen this year. #judgeorjoin

 

9. Learn to be content or be active in changing my circumstances.

Life is too short to stay unhappy.

What are your New Years resolutions?

Change.

Change is never easy.

I feel that many times I resist change and the unknown instead of embracing my new situation.

I do not want where I am in life now to be one of those times.

I love the Jim Elliot quote:

"Wherever you are, be all there."

It inspired my remodel of my blog and also my outlook on this year.

Where I am right now is exactly where God has me or I would not be here. Its time that I start to put down roots. This year I want to take time to explore exactly what that means.

Serving.

Loving.

Leading.

Learning.

Growing.

Those are all action verbs. And that is what I want to do this year, take action.

Please join me as I begin this journey and welcome change.