I love documenting every little moment of our lives. I don’t have a good memory so it helps me in that way, but it’s also a fun hobby for me. I know some people can’t relate, but I actually really enjoy arranging my breakfast on the plate in an aesthetically pleasing way. 😂 And I like posting to my IG stories, adding some doodles, and looking back on what I did that day. It’s a creative outlet for me. It’s also how I find potential customers and clients, so it’s a big part of my life and business.
Somewhere down the line, though, it turned into something else- something that doesn’t allow me to be fully alive in my current moment, because I’m only half there. I don’t like to admit it because it feels silly, but it’s true.
I don’t know about you, but my mind bounces around a mile a minute. Always thinking about what needs to be done, what’s coming next. One minute I stand up to do laundry and the next thing I know I’m staring at my computer wondering what my purpose in life is. 🤣 So this week I tried something new (for me). I didn’t check my phone when I woke up in the morning, I focused on my present moment.. what I’m thankful for, what I wanted to accomplish that day, and I kept my social media closed until later in the evening. And man I have to tell you, it was the best.
I was able to set goals for myself and keep them. I was more productive. I noticed things that I wouldn’t have noticed before. We’re lucky enough to be in Costa Rica right now, so I saw dolphins and macaws that I’m convinced I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. I was working on an illustration of a monkey on the balcony when I looked over and saw monkeys in the tree right next to me. I can’t totally explain it.. but I just had several moments where I was like OKAY, world. I hear you. (Also, I realized that my thoughts exist in the form of Instagram captions... is that weird/bad? Haha. Maybe I should channel them into an illustrated coffee table book..)
The few times I slipped up, I saw how much time I spend in Instagram when I don’t even mean to, which is the scary part. Opening one post lead me down a 45 minute spiral into looking at tiny food, which don’t get me wrong, I live for #tinykitchen. But I’m realizing that I need to have a specific time set aside for scrolling or it creeps in and distracts me from what’s going on in real life.
I’m challenging you (and myself) to do a little refocusing. Be present. Make goals. Schedule out your days and set specific time aside for catching up on social media. (btw I know that “being present” is such a trendy phrase right now- but I’m all for a trend if it helps us become better humans).