Sometimes I feel like I've been online in one way or another since time began. First it was internet message boards. Then I discovered social media and spent a few years on MySpace before landing on Facebook. Next year, I'll have been on Facebook for ten years. My first Facebook friends were people who I've known for many years or migrated over from MySpace. I picked up new friends through common interests or by the fact that someone found me to be interesting. Generally speaking, I haven't met a great percentage of the people I call friends. Through various circumstances, I have had the pleasure of meeting some of my social media friends in real life, but for the most part we've remained electronic pen pals so to speak.
At times, the things we encounter on social media aren't unlike real life. People argue with each other and support each other. They spread gossip, whether true or lies. Politics is high on the list of things discussed, and it often leaves us with feelings of disgust.
All in all, being a part of this phenomenon called "social media" can be quite a crazy, cuckoopants experience. It can make you or break you. If you're up for it, good for you! If it makes you thrive in your life, even better. If you find yourself beginning to crack, then maybe it's time for a break.
But there are other reasons to step away for awhile. Social media is not real life. Things come up in real life that need to be dealt with, and putting those things aside may result in trouble down the road. When you see that train coming, you focus on how you're going to jump aboard and get it under control, or simply get out of its way.
Recently, I've had some issues come up in real life that I've needed to address. It's hard to chase social media, look for work, tend to home and bills, and take care of me.
Note that "take care of me" came last in my list of calamities. I've been told time and time again that taking care of me should be at the top of the list, simply because by not taking care of me, I'm going to crumble and not be able to take care of the things that I need to do. I have to make sure that I'm strong enough to get things done.
Oftentimes, we don't see the cracks in our foundation, so to speak. Along with the obvious things (missing due dates on bills, various home maintenance issues, and so forth), finding that I'm becoming increasingly physically unable to do some things without help adds to the stress.
It was time to take a break before I broke.
Slowly but surely, little by little, I've been able to shift my efforts over to the things that I need to do rather than the things that I like to do. It will take some time, but for both of you who read my blog and participate in Facebook, do know that I'll be back in the game as soon as I can. It's going to take a little time, that's all.
But even if I'm not back on Facebook, chances are that I'll write a post or two here. Bear with me, say a prayer for me if you're so inclined, and things will be OK. See you when I get back from vacation.
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