Why I Left Facebook and Instagram

If you’ve tried to find me on Facebook or Instagram recently, you will have noticed that my accounts are missing. And they aren’t just temporarily “unpublished.”

I quit.

Yes, you heard me right.

As a blogger and content creator, I left two of the most popular social media platforms in our world today. And at this point in time, I don’t have any intention of returning. I know some of my entrepreneurial friends will think I’m crazy for taking my blog “off” the map.

Over 1,000 of my followers just went pouf! and disappeared into thin air. Just like that, they’re gone with the wind. But I don’t care. I needed this. So much!

Let me tell you why I left Facebook and Instagram.

Why I Deleted My Facebook and Instagram Accounts

There were several very good reasons for deleting both my Facebook and Instagram business accounts. If I had to summarize those reasons, I’d say these social media platforms were draining my life and my creative efforts here on the blog.

And all for what?

I lost valuable creative energy, trying to put out daily content on my Instagram account. Why? So I could get more hearts on my posts?

I lost my peace of mind, always feeling like I need to check in and respond to comments ASAP. Because it’s social media, I’m a blogger and people expect it.

I lost the ability to be still in my own home and in my own heart. With so much to do “online,” I found it difficult to unplug and just be still.

And when I tallied up the number of views the different platforms brought to my blog over the past 10 months, I realized that Facebook and Instagram just weren’t worth my time.

I Lost my Patience and Perseverance

I was already tired of the influence the Facebook and Instagram had in my life. Around the time I crunched my numbers, I was becoming more aware of the negative effects that these two platforms had on me.

All too often, I felt discontent with parts of my home. Like they weren’t “good enough” if they didn’t look like a magazine cover. And I was realizing that Instagram contributed to the pressure of feeling like my spaces had to be “just so.”

My brain was growing weary from all the ads and distractions that appeared when I went on Facebook. And the busyness of the platform left me feeling exhausted inside.

Worse yet, I realized I was becoming addicted to “quickly” checking these apps on my phone. Just to see if there was anything in my business that needed tending to!

You might say all the things accumulated into a heavy burden. And after taking an honest look at my reality, I pulled the plug.

I Can’t Do It All (Even If Others Can)

Lately I’ve been forced into a place where I had to recognize that I’m not a normal person. Sometimes I forget and feel like I should be able to do everything that a healthy person does!

Put out content on this blog. Post new pictures to social media. Cook from whole food meals. Run my home well. Grow those large and beautiful gardens I love so much. Tend to the canning and preserving. Look after my little flock of birds, get outdoors every day and nourish my soul with some quiet and rest.

I think I’m coming to grips with the reality that I’m not capable of doing it all. While I have learned to manage my Lyme disease symptoms well, fatigue is still my constant companion. And sometimes, it’s very limiting.

So I have to strategically chose where to spend my time. More specifically, I need to make sure I’m spending my time where it best serves you and helps me fulfill my mission.

And so, my friend?

I quit. 

I Quit So I Could Give More to Myself, Home and Readers

I want to live a life of intentionality. To make sure I’m living in a way I’ll be proud of when I’m old and gray. And after chatting with one of my blogging friends this week (thanks Maggie!), I realized that means intentionally directing my life, home and blog in the way I want it go.

And that? I quickly realized that meant leaving Facebook and Instagram!

For my sanity, yes. But also so that I would have more time to give to the things that matter most.

So now you know why I left Facebook and Instagram.

Don’t worry! I’ll still be showing up regularly on the blog, in your email inbox, on youtube and of course, you can always send me an email if you have questions or would like to introduce yourself!

I’m still here, but it’s going to look a bit different for those of you who are also accustomed to following me on social media!

And I’m here for it.