Freedom

This is the face of someone who just took a two-week fast from social media and other media that brings negative and impure thoughts, as directed by a prophet of God in the most recent General Conference (Read Pres. Nelson's talk here).

Not sure what to say about that, except that I. feel. amazing.

I feel:

Confident.

Calm.

Happy.

Content.

Relaxed.

Whole.

Focused.

More loving.

More curious.

More open-minded.

More capable of learning of and from Him.

I have been using social media to try to share the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ for a long time now, ten years actually.

Doing so has blessed my life and the life of my family.

So it's a little strange to realize that maybe Heavenly Father has new directions for us and new ways for us to grow and serve him that might take us away from these platforms. Or to at least for a time, cut way back on our usage.

I'm still fasting actually.

I have not put my social media apps back on my phone.

I have not even checked Facebook to see my birthday messages!  And yet I still managed to joyfully turn 41 during my fast! :)

I will say that at first I really missed talking with my friends, but truthfully, I don't feel ready to go back yet.  

During the time I was away, my eyes were opened to just how many things I want to know and explore, to how many things I want to improve about myself as a Mother and in my relationships with my children, and many questions have come to my mind that I want to find answers to (especially about implementing the new Home-centered New Testament curriculum).  

Now that my head it so clear and my time is my own, I want to find the answers that I seek. I am determined to do this.

President Nelson said, "The effect of your 10-day fast may surprise you." (Check!) 

He asked, "What do you notice after taking a break from perspectives of the world that have been wounding your spirit?" (Ouch!)

"Is there a change in where you now want to spend your time and energy?  Have any of your priorities shifted--even just a little?  I urge you to record and follow through with each impression."

This post will be an incomplete assessment on my social media fast, because like I said, I feel I am still in the middle of it.  There is just so much more I need to understand about the changes and what they mean for my family and other questions that I personally have for my life.

But this post is over because my kids need me: My baby just busted open a ripe avocado and spread crayons across my floor and needs a diaper change while my two year old is asking me to light a birthday candle so he can blow it out.  So I've gotta go.

I hope the social media fast is having all of the intended effects in your life as well...And I look forward to hearing your observations...