Social media is a really interesting thing, isn’t it? It feels like one of those “can’t live with it, can’t live without it” type of things. I really love social media for a lot of things, but I also know how draining it could be. If I didn’t have a business, I truly believe that I probably wouldn’t use social media. But, I like to take regular social media breaks so that I can continue to be my best self!
At the start of July I took my second social media hiatus of the year. My “summer” social media hiatus, if you will (I plan to do another one this winter!) and it was amazing. I still haven’t made a full official return to social media. But I am popping on and looking at the feeds I love and sharing some stuff on my insta-stories.
Here’s what I’ve been doing:
- a lot of behind the scenes work on my business,
- relaxing and taking a few naps,
- booking some weddings for 2020 (yay!! so excited for these amazing couples I get to photograph!!),
- spending time with my family,
- celebrating my daughter’s third birthday, and so much more.
I find that when I’m intentionally taking a break from social media, in general, I’m using my phone less often. Isn’t that crazy?!
Generally speaking, I’m a pretty reflective person, but when I go on these breaks, I get suuuper reflective. Now I’m viewing everything through a different lens. I shared this post on my facebook during this little break and it got SO much engagement. I want to share it here, because it really was a tipping point for me and how I view the world.
I’m sharing all of this because I think it’s important to constantly be evaluating our relationship with our social media and technology in general. When’s the last time you checked in with yourself about why you’re on FB or Instagram? How often are you doing things for the purpose of social media?
Just to be clear, I definitely do NOT think that any of social media platforms are evil by any means. I DO think they can have really powerful impacts on our lives that aren’t always positive. For once I’m really thinking about how I want to be showing up on social media. What kind of impact do I want to have, and how do I want to be an example for Lily?
I’m still not sure how I’m going to approach social media from here on out. However, this social media hiatus has really been a good one for me on SO many levels! I am pretty psyched to read the book “Digital Minimalism” to get a fresh perspective on it all! How about you? Have you read it?!
Linda is a Portland-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies from Portland to Boston and across New England. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com.
Linda is a Portland-based photographer specializing in weddings and creating family legacies from Portland to Boston and across New England. You can see more of her work online at lindabarryphotography.com, on Instagram, or on Facebook. If you want to reach out directly: linda@lindabarryphotography.com.
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