- I learned that I waste a lot of time trolling Facebook.
- I am more calm when I don't read everyone's opinion all the time. Really, if I want to know, I'll ask.
- Sometimes it is good to "step away" and center yourself.
- Religion is completely in bed with politics, but Jesus is still Jesus. Most people don't get this and become very angry and a bit indignant that I would even suggest it. I don't care for politics, but I do like Jesus.
- I knew this about Jesus, but needed to be reminded. I am reminded still of this through some FB posts and links to blogs now. I did miss that part when away from FB. One of the reasons I returned.
- I'm also learning more about Jesus and how people relate to him. I might not understand, agree, see things in that way, but I can learn from others. Jesus is big enough to use other people (of different races, religions, sexual orientations, etc) to show himself to me. Kind of comforting to imagine him waving to me from some post and saying, "Hey! I'm here. See? Thought you might like this."
- The main reason I returned to FB, I missed my friends. Even just checking in on them periodically. Seeing a post occasionally makes me think, "Oh, good! She is doing well today!" That is a comfort to me. I wish I could connect in person regularly with these friends, but we are too far apart geographically to do that. We could e-mail, write letters, call, etc. I like the checking in on FB option.
- I gained a little confidence. I hid several people and "unfriended" several others. I decided what I will allow in my news feed, on my posts, etc. and what I will not. I am not going to live in fear of "what will so-and-so think if I post this, respond this way, etc." I will post what I think is appropriate, respond in a manner that I think is truth and be done with it. I will be honest about me.
- FB is also a way for me to learn and grow. Stretch the limits of my understanding, comfort zone, whatever. I have many thoughtful friends who post insights of their own and links to the insights of others. I love to read those and turn them over in my mind.
- I have found a great deal of encouragement from good friends, acquaintances, and people I hardly know. That is pretty amazing to me.
So, if you asked me if it was worth it to take a FB fast, I would have to answer yes. Gave me time to center and realize there are many things I appreciate about this tool. Would I step away again if necessary? Absolutely. Sometimes you need a break to realize you can give yourself permission to disagree, be yourself, learn something new, and appreciate what you are missing when away.
