I stopped “Face-Booking” 48 hours ago.

I can’t tell you how free I feel!

     I also didn’t look at my e-mails except one, from which I needed a date to mark my calendar for next month (July).

Did I break a habit, a long-standing one? I kind of think so. I’d go on Facebook every day after sorting through my Gmail under contoveros@gmail.com. I’ve been doing this for about a year now.

Time Out Needed to Refresh  

I’d spend about an hour each time, scrolling until I found something interesting, and then I’d click the link saying that I “like” the message.

If it really moved me, I’d even “share” it over my own Facebook forum.

I’d arrange for it to appear on what is called my “timeline.”

Hooked on What Other People Were Saying

Trouble is, I was checking out Facebook and my e-mail two, three, or even four times a day. I don’t know why. I simply got hooked on knowing what other people were saying, and in my own small way, a chance to stay in touch with people without being in their physical presence.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a social animal and I meet with people at Sunday services, meditation groups twice a week, as well as acupuncturists once a week, and a friendly doctor at the Veterans Administration hospital about twice a month. That doesn’t include my therapist for PTSD once a month, as well as my son, whom I see twice or even three or four times a day.

Less Use of I-Phone and Laptop Computer

   Almost 48 hours now. It’s been tough. I wanted to check out my Blog to see if anyone was reading my entries. I fought the urge and meditated instead. In fact, I have sought out other activities to pursue instead of going on my I-Phone or laptop computer. I’m reading more and watching more movies on television.

     I paid some bills, exercised at LA Fitness and am spending time in a public library as I write this. I see and commune with real life people and enjoy seeing them return smiles I gladly offer whether I know them or not.

     Try it. I think you’ll like it. You may get back to those chores you’ve been putting off, or to the books you meant to read but saved for a day at the beach or the Jersey shore.

More Purpose in Life with Other People

     I feel that I have more purpose in life . . . That I can do more things face-to-face with people and in a group. It’s refreshing and novel to say the least. I hope I can do this more often as time goes by and I become less dependent on this virtual reality that I created for myself . . . Once a week should be plenty for me to catch up on the stuff offered on Facebook.

     So, if you really want to say something to me, give me a call. My cell number is 215-805-0256.

     I’ll talk with you then!