*Yawn* I wake up, roll over grab my phone to see the time. I then determine how long do I have before I actually have to get out of the bed. If it’s more than 2 minutes, I scream “yes!” in my head because that’s enough time for me to hop on Instagram. Specifically, to check gossip blog pages. I know, I know, I have a weakness for gossip. I’ve been able to bring it to a halt in my personal life by living by one rule, “minding my bizness!” But celebrity gossip is a completely different monster.
When Beyoncé broke the internet by announcing her pregnancy (both times), I religiously checked the gossip blog sites for updates on maternity shoot photos and gender reveals. I was an addict. I found myself getting sucked into her life and drama. When I found out Beyoncé got cheated on, I was angry. When I found out she had a miscarriage, I was devastated. It’s crazy when I think about it because I’m feeling so many raw emotions for a person that I don’t even know! And I wonder why I’m depressed.
Before, I lied to myself about saying deleting Facebook was enough, but my addiction to Instagram has proved otherwise. My husband made a snippy little comment about how much I love Instagram. I have to prove to him (and myself) that he’s wrong. So, I’ve decided to start a social media fast. It actually began at approximately 8pm (CST) this past Wednesday night and I’m jonesing a little bit. I’ve deleted all of my social media apps (except this one ☝🏽☺️) so I won’t be tempted to “check something really quick”. That’s usually how an hour long binge of trying to find out who cheated with who begins. Nah!
Now, usually, when people decide to fast, they abstain from food. In my case, abstaining from food is not a problem since I’m limited to what I can eat. So, I am offering Instagram as my sacrifice because it really is something I enjoy, but it’s bad for my mental health and just simply a waste of time. I could be doing something more conducive to my recovery. I want to be able to use social media for business only. This is what I pray that I will accomplish at the end of my fast.
My faith teaches me that fasting, or “to abstain from” pleasurable things will bring me closer to Christ through prayer(1 Corinthians 7:5) which is what I want to accomplish as well.
But I believe the idea for fasting should be an open idea for anyone who wants to evolve from depression and anxiety. Maybe, abstaining from some of your desires will give you a sense of control and pride when you accomplish it. Plus, it’ll help you focus on something other than your own thoughts. Making such goals and sticking to them will be awesome for your recovery. It’ll give you pride and self-worth. Most importantly, it will feel grrrrreat! I’m more than positive that taking this step will boost my mood overall and I can’t wait!
Here are the tips that I plan on using to fast:
1. Find something else to do when I get tempted
2. Consider the personal and spiritual consequences if I give into the desire
3. Don’t think about it, pray about it.
If you guys have any tips I can use, please drop a comment below. I would greatly appreciate it. Wish me luck 🤞🏽
“The philosophy of fasting calls upon us to know ourselves, to master ourselves, and to discipline ourselves the better to free ourselves. To fast is to identify our dependencies, and free ourselves from them.” -Tariq Ramadan
Funny but serious(I know)
I wish u achieve the good you want from that decision. Best of luck👍
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It is funny 😂😂 Thank you so much 😉❤️
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It’s funny how every time I decide to do something or change something in my life, I find other bloggers writing about it. I am also trying to stop this social media addiction. I have many friends on Facebook and Instagram and I just informed them that I’m quitting social media so that if they want to keep in contact, I can send them my phone number of email Id. I think that this is the best way to get to know who your true friends are and who really wants to stay in touch and not just wants to know and interfere in your life
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I agree with you. That’s why I wrote about it because I’m sure there are so many people who feel the same way. Good luck dear ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you 😊
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My pleasure 😉🤪
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I’m so with you! I’m not a social media addict because I trained myself a certain way. Like I won’t go on my Insta for like 3 days or even a week. I’ll you go do something else like go outside and take photos of nature and go write, or read. The devil uses those platforms to distract God’s people A LOT! And talk bout dem celebrities…gurllll he’s behind them ALL! None of Beyoncé’s pregnancies weren’t real. Yip that’s right! NONE! Its a delusion by the devil and his deceptive power over them to blind the eyes of men and women. That veil over her head implies that her pregnancy wasn’t a physical one! I’m so glad the Spirit of the God moved you to do that fast! May draw closer to him and may it be a spirit filled and successful one in Jesus Mighty Name! God bless you and thanks for sharing! Xxoo 💝
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I don’t doubt what you’re saying at all. I do believe it’s a distraction used by the enemy to control us and tempt us. Thank you so much for your encouragement 🤗❤️
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Taking it to Him and keeping it all about Him is what you already do.
Thank you for being a ray of God’s sunshine in my life!
I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award!
I am so grateful for your light!
https://gaillovesgod.blog/2018/02/06/sunshine-blogger-award-1-31-18/
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Thank you so much!! ❤️❤️❤️
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❤
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Great advice. I commend you, send a prayer your way to sustain you and reach your goal.
I too used to drink the social media / holllywood scene kool-aid, until Hollywood got too ridiculous and social media got too overwhelming with drama queens. I ask myself why should I care..?.. What good can come out of it? (especially in my life.) Most of the time it’s hearsay (and so the definition of gossip, lol). These people on social media don’t truly know you and the ones who want too will stay true to you.
My mama used to say, ‘It’s a long road but worth taking, God has bigger plans for you.’ Staying true to Him and not being distracted by other people’s behavior or personal life, that usually reveals falsehood instead of truth. It’s between them and God. You can’t change them but you can change yourself and hopefully this change is contagious. It’s never too late to start fresh, and when tempted tell the evil one to take a hike in Jesus’ name. Our energy is well spent elsewhere that enhances our being not bring us down. Thank you again for sharing. God bless.
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Thank YOU for sharing!! I couldn’t agree with you more. Plus, your mama sounds like an awesome lady 😉 Thank you so much for reading and sharing, again! 🤗❤️
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🤗❤ sweet of you to say.. She had a way of putting things in perspective so you can clearly understand. Sadly she’s no longer with us. She is peacefully resting, awaiting our Lord’s call to rise. Scripture tells us we will see loved ones again and that promise solidifies our hope.
Pray your fast is giving you a new perspective on what truly matters. May our Lord bless you wholeheartedly.
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I’m sorry for you loss, but you correct. I truly believe that when our loved ones join Jesus, that it is not a goodbye, but a see you later. Lord willing, I will meet her one day standing next to the thorn with our King.
God bless you dear! Thank you for the encouragement ❤️❤️
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I struggle with this too! Good for you for trying to step away from it! I need to fast too to be honest. Can’t wait to watch your journey! You got this!
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Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️
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🙂
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I’ve been wanting to take a break from social media (Facebook) but it’s so HARD! lol. Honestly though, since I’ve started blogging, I haven’t spent as much time on it as I usually do!! This post is inspiring!
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It’s hard for me too. Did you read that I relapsed? 😂😂 but it’s all good ☝🏽☺️ Blogging helps me as well. I’m so glad you liked it ❤️❤️
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Yaaassss!! 😂😂 I instantly thought about myself like Lort yeah I’ll probably relapsing too within a few hrs! I’m eventually gonna have to give it a try.. not today or tomorrow lol but one day!! Haha
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Hahahaha! 😂😂
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