{ evaluation + direction } ~ austin area photographer

For I while I have considered stepping back from Facebook. Not to try and make any point or be an elitist. I just feel like it's a shallow part of my days that I could do without. There are aspects I really like, and that has been my cause for hesitation. Tonight I was telling a friend that I might just abstain and exercise some self control and time management, but I'm actually pretty good about staying off my phone and computer when I have priorities that need attention. On my drive home from this gathering at my new job, I was thinking about a book I'm reading about meditation and focus and living in the present. I realized that I have my mind going in way too many directions. I've been longing to write more on here and share more photography, but you know what, Facebook gets all the love, I post way more on there. So what would happen if I used my blog as my main social media? I began to let that idea roll around and it resounded inside me positively. This is what I plan to do. I will begin to make some edits in my life that will focus me on my writing, more on my photography, and truly living each moment more aware of my own life.



I'm smattering this post with old photos because this is something I want to return to, I want to capture more day to day memories like I used to when I stayed at home. Yes, it was much easier then, but I have no real excuse now except that I have gotten out of the habit. However, if I make it my goal to share more real photos here and not just "mobile uploads" then perhaps I will once again get into a routine of having my camera handy and snapping away and uploading from my Beast camera on a regular basis. This, I think, is a good plan.



In addition to this being about time, this parting ways with Facebook is also about relationships. I have some amazing friends that I communicate regularly with on Facebook, however, I am still available other ways, so we will not lose touch. In all honesty, I just don't need the quasi friendship that some people seem to want to maintain via Facebook. I love face to face and hearing laughter versus LOL. My heart feels good when I get to tell someone in person how much I "Like" their joke. If not in person, what if I got back to my old habit of sending cards...like real mail! It feels so good to get genuine mail in the mailbox. Also text messages make me happy. So really and truly, I just feel like Facebook steals from all the ways that truly build a relationship and strengthen bonds. It's hard to beat a phone chat with a long distance friend, so why would we need Facebook to stay in touch?




I don't take Facebook seriously, so why has it taken me this long to let go? Because it's fun and I like sharing and the connections, but it's time for me to focus on making better connections and spending more of the time I have on my computer doing what actually brings me the most joy. I don't hate Facebook and I don't think quitting is something everyone should do. It's just time for me. I hope this doesn't seem high and mighty, I'm not coming from that position at all, I don't think Facebook is a time waster, I think some people choose to waste their time on Facebook. For me, I don't have a lot of extra time and I feel like this blog is where I want to spend more time. I also don't have Angry Birds on my iPhone for that same reason. Believe me, I'll probably have some twinges of sadness when I delete my account on there, hopefully it will be overcome with excitement as I get back to devoting time on here and challenging myself to new and fun adventures in my talents and desires.



My plan is to link this post on Facebook and give a few days of notice so that anyone who might not have my email or this blog link can have a chance to see my move. I always love feedback, so that will give a few days for you guys to try and sway me. ;)



A few more pictures before I sign off for the night. It's been a LONG day and it's really not my favorite because it's super cold here in Austin, TX and I am a huge baby when it comes to being cold. I seriously am just miserable and would love to be a bear and hibernate. Just stay home in my Snuggie with Anna Karenina and a cup of apple cider steaming beside me, yes that sure beats my reality of waking up to 18* temperatures and NO electricity. Boo. No more whining, I'm beat and I just love you for reading this far! You friends, are amazing and I thank you each for always allowing me to share on here and the encouragement you always bring to my life. Thank you and good night!