Reflecting

This marks the end of the first week of my social media fast! How’s it been going? What have I been doing with myself? Have I relapsed? Is it hard? The answers to all these questions and more are below!

So far, the social media fast has been alright. I have found myself bored many times, with nothing to do, and wishing I could turn to my phone to help pass the time.

One moment, I found myself leaving the house needing something to bring with me. My current books weren’t in sight, and so I just grabbed a random paperback off of the shelf, stuffed it in my bag, and left. Later in the day I found myself reaching for the book to help pass the time at the doctor’s office. Victory!

Last night, I fell into bed completely exhausted. I wanted SO BADLY to pick up my phone and scroll through it before falling asleep, but I convinced myself to leave it alone and just rest. I fell asleep quickly. Victory!

One evening this week I didn’t have anything planned. Looking ahead at two open, empty hours of nothingness, I decided to pop in a random movie and watch it. I had nothing better to do! I loved it. Victory!

My week was full of little moments like these, mixed in with little moments of “weakness.” I cringe at typing that word, but it is what it is.

I have found myself clicking open my Instagram and Facebook apps randomly throughout the day to check if I have any notifications. I catch myself and close the app pretty quickly, but I would love to cut the urge off even sooner.

During one meal, I found myself wandering aimlessly through YouTube just like I used to.

The hardest times to refrain from scrolling are in the little pauses throughout the day when I am between tasks or activities. I’m so used to filling each of these space with nonstop tech. Breaking these pairings is difficult, but manageable.

What have I been doing with all this new-found free time?

Well, I’ve been cooking. A lot. I’ve found some great vegetarian and vegan recipes that I am excited about eating!

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I have spent almost two whole days sewing! I have begun work on a dress which I might get to wear at graduation.

This week I have been reminded of why I loved sewing so much in the first place. It’s like a huge puzzle that takes all of my attention and brainpower!

This week I gained two skills as a seamstress: learning how to sew a bodice, and learning how to shirr/smock! Neat!

In the midst of all this learning, my living room has once again been taken over with fabric scraps, loose pins, and cut threads.

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This week I have watched five episodes of Smallville, including a fantastic one that made me feel really nostalgic for the first season. Smallville, you’re really getting me worked up here. Sniff.

I’m moving through this season SO FAST!!!

I have also spent a lot of time getting my very last assignments done (all I have left are finals!), spending time with my family, and hanging out with Leben who is officially 6 months old as of yesterday.

I also spent all Saturday afternoon securing myself a fantastic sublease in Austin. It’s official, y’all! I have a place to lay my head in a month. Things are finally falling into place.

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To help in those little moments of boredom, I have downloaded a few language apps to help me review my German. According to Duolingo, I am 51% fluent in German. I have a LONG way to go.

I also keep my recorder and my ocarina next to the couch, and I pick them up when I need a breather between sewing seams or reading chapters.

I haven’t done as much reading as I had hoped, but I have journaled a fair amount. I’ve also added some watercolor to my journal pages, which makes me very happy.

This coming week I hope to read a lot more, begin going through things to give away in preparation for my move, and play some Final Fantasy X!

Wish me luck!

Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones. –Thich Nhat Hanh

Mandi