It's been awhile:)

But for a good reason..

A few weeks ago I went on a technology and social media fast for a class project.

No facebook, Instagram, Blogger, TV, Iphone apps, youtube, etc. for 12 DAYS!

That doesn't sound like a long time...

It is.

Jon didn't think I could do it. To be honest, I even wondered if I could do it...

But I had to, I couldn't let him be right:)

However, It got easier after the first few days and I'm so grateful I did it.

Looking back, I thought about if I had to sum up how I felt the first few days in one word, what that one word would be..

Some may suggest that I might say I felt: "Free, peaceful, inspired, aware, capable"

All those are fair words that probably SHOULD describe how one feels after separating themselves from the 'trap' of electronics and social media

However, if I had to sum up in one word how I felt in the first few days it would be:

Paralyzed.

I realize how ridiculous that sounds.

And it was ridiculous.

I literally did not feel like I could think or act normally.

Here is an extract from my journal during just the first day:

"I have really liked how I felt so far. I mean, this first few days will be really difficult. Just because in a way, I feel paralyzed. It's crazy and frankly pathetic. We don't even notice how often we check these things, that when they aren't there it's like we have to reevaluate our whole life. "

It's true, I did have to revaluate my whole life.

At class I just sat there and paid attention the WHOLE time . (DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS)

At work when there was nothing to do I got all my homework done, then wrote in my journal.

After work I'd make dinner as usual, Jon and I would talk for awhile, but then he'd go get on his computer or ipad to work on his stuff..

I was probably so annoying during that time. I'd just sit there and chat his ear off cuz what else was I supposed to do?

He's a good listener.

Also, I read more then I've ever read ever.

I read the book "As a Man Thinketh"

So good!

I also read my first books on pregnancy and babies.

If any future mom's want a good book to read, "Baby Bargains" is the best!

Basically, when you suddenly get pregnant and have no idea what you need for the baby, what you don't need but advertisements tell you you need, what the best brands are and where to find them, or how to make a cute nursery on a small budget, this book has the answers!

I loved it.

Anyway, after the first 3 days of going on the fast, it got easier.

I was starting to see the rewards.

It's interesting..

We see social media as a way to be heard, to express things in our own way.

We don't realize that in the process we become slaves.

Slaves to the opinion of others, slaves of comparison..

You don't realize it's an issue until you separate yourself from it.

I felt like I was more in touch with myself when I wasn't constantly "tuned in" then I ever did when I was checking my phone every 5 minutes

Also, before I would consistently read up on the latest news..

Political news.

While I consider it good to stay informed, I realized I felt a lot more peace and hope from not keeping myself updated.

I felt more hope not only for our country, but for the future.

I do believe it's good to stay informed, but sometimes what we read can drain us, just because a lot of it is so negative and there is nothing we can do it fix it.

You know there's a problem when reading one article can ruin your whole day.

I never had to worry about that during the 12 days.

My prayers were more meaningful, I spent more time studying rather then just reading, I talked to random strangers, and I rarely felt annoyed.

I spent less time reading status updates on others lives, and more time deciding how I can create the best possible future for my son, as well as everything I want in my own life.

I set more goals, took more walks, and noticed little things.

Was it difficult?

Extremely.

But how else do you improve?

They say it takes 21 days to make something into a habit.

I only went 12.

But it's been 2 weeks since I did those 12 days, and I can honestly say I haven't completely fallen back into my old habits.

I guess feeling a certain way causes you to hit a point of no return.

I like how I felt during those days.

We talk about living life to the fullest..

I believe this is the best way to do it.

Yeah, you may have to tell your friends on scramble that you'll be out a few days.