I've been keeping journals since I was in the 3rd grade and I'm so glad to share some of my most intimate life moments with you here! Here, you'll find inspirational and encouraging stories of me and other broken people like me. We are all jars of clay who have been afflicted in every way, but not crushed...struck down by not destroyed. Here, you do NOT have the right to remain silent, so as you read, grab your favorite snack and drink and leave a comment...share YOUR story. I can't wait to connect with you in this beautiful safe space.

welcome to my

journal!

xoxoxoxoxo,
Sachel

2018 Blogs, personal, Sachel Samone

February 5, 2018

SAYING GOODBYE TO SOCIAL MEDIA | THIS IS 30 | PERSONAL

I guess you can say I started to hear it last month. We were beginning a fast with our church and our pastor asked us:

“What is something that you’re willing to give up? What is so important to you, that its absence will stretch you and pull you closer to God?”

I didn’t really think too much about it, but I said…”juice.” I’m going to give up my juices, teas, and wines and only drink water. Admirable right? Looking back on it, I’m glad I did (I drink SO much water now!), but in my heart, I knew it wasn’t enough.

Midway into our fast, I started hearing “you know…you spend a lot of time on social media. Maybe you should give that up.” But It’s not like I was waking up and checking my feeds first thing in the morning. I totally had it under control…I didn’t want to give it up. Not even for a while. So I didn’t.

But towards the end of the fast, it was abundantly clear. Like a parent constantly repeating themselves to their child, I kept hearing over and over again “you spend too much time on there. You’re wasting time. Take a break Sachel. Let me give you what you’ve been desiring.”

It’s funny how we make choices, but in the end, God’s will is GOING to be done.

I don’t know about you, but I really have a love, hate relationship with social media. It’s honestly one of the greatest (and worst) things to ever happen to us. While it’s created this wonderful world of community and allows us to stay in touch with those we love near and far, it’s also created a place where we measure ourselves by the likes we get and amount of followers we have. So many of us, myself included, fall into this trap of comparing our real lives to someone’s highlight reel, leaving us to feel inadequate when we realize we don’t measure up.

Social media can be draining. Heck, it can be downright exhausting. Trying to keep up with the Joneses, craft the best fake-deep quote we can and curate a picture-perfect Instagram feed, all while trying to be totally present in the real world…it’s downright exhausting! It can be a huge time waster and if it’s one thing this mama can’t afford to waste, it’s time. But the truth is, I am guilty of just that. Guilty of wasting my precious time (even as I write this blog, I’ve stopped to look through Facebook, SMH) mindlessly scrolling feeds…comparing…filling myself to the brim with self-doubt.

So, I’ve decided to stop being stubborn, pay attention to God’s voice and take a little social media hiatus. I’m not going to lie, I’m a little nervous about how it’s going to impact my business (because we all know how important it is for business owners to show up on social media), but the more I think about it, the more excited I am for this. I want to be stretched by God. I need it in order for me to live this intentional and grateful life I crave. And as much as I’m going to miss seeing what’s going on in everyone’s lives, I’m excited to kill the white noise and draw closer to Him.

Emerald Coast - Social Media Sabbatical-Sachel Samone

So what’s the point of it all? How long will I be on this break? Am I completely going ghost? I HAVE ALL YOUR ANSWERS BELOW!

1. Why am I doing this? What’s the point of it all?: Simply put: Because God told me to. I fought it for a long time, but how many of us know that when you fight God, YOU WILL NEVER WIN?!? I spent so much time mindlessly scrolling, that I fell into the comparison trap too easily and wasn’t allowing myself to live with a truly grateful heart. I would get down on myself when my follower count wasn’t growing and would become unhappy when I wasn’t praised by people who don’t even know or truly care about me. So it’s time to let go. I want to hear God’s voice and live my BEST life and in order to do that…I gotta get back to the basics.

2. What do I hope to get out of this?: First, a clean heart, clear mind and grateful soul overflowing with inspiration! I want to be refreshed and rejuvenated. I want to be the best me I can be for my husband, son, family, friends, and business. Clarity is so important to me right now and I know this is just what I need in order have it completely. Secondly, an encouraging word for you! Maybe you’re on the fence about doing this and just don’t know where to start! I want to share what I’ve learned and inspire you to stretch yourself if that’s what you’re craving! I KNOW I’m not the only one who maybe needs some breathing room from social media…can I get an AMEN!?

3. When am I coming back? Ummm…I don’t know! I honestly have NO idea! I don’t want to put an end date on it because I feel like that’s putting God on a deadline and I KNOW better than that. So I’m gonna simply say…whenever the Lord releases me to come back.

4. What am I NOT doing? Posting on or checking Facebook or Instagram. I may even just delete the apps from my phone altogether just to remove the temptation!

5. What AM I still doing? Blogging + Emailing! My blog is my journal and although I’ve been neglecting it for a while, I am going to keep using it to share my thoughts. As for contacting me, I’ll still be reachable by email! I’m still taking sessions and want to tell your story, so if you’re ready to get in front of my lens, please shoot me an email!

I’m not sure what all is going to come from this, but honestly, I can’t wait to find out. I am believing God for some pretty big things this year, so…HERE GOES SOMETHING!

SAYING GOODBYE TO SOCIAL MEDIA