Embracing Reality: The Joys of Living Life Less Online
By Kathleen Donnelly,
Today, it can be very easy to be swept up by what is happening on social media and to experience its negative effects. One aspect of older generations that I really admire is that they have a better understanding of and an appreciation for being present than those of us who’ve experienced the anxiety of feeling like we have to catalogue every moment of our lives. It didn’t happen unless you took a picture, right?
I’ve learned that in order to lead a more purposeful and present life, I have to be pretty intentional about it. The online world has often overwhelmed me, and I’ve found myself needing to set the phone or laptop aside to live more fully in the real world for extended amounts of time. Ways I have put this practice into place in my life are fairly simple.
I have a daily routine. Especially on days I’m feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, my routine keeps me grounded. It also adds a built-in element of order to my days.
I’m in nature far more than I’m online. I’ve found that visiting a park or a local nature preserve rejuvenates my heart. Instead of anxious scrolling, I’ve found strolling through God’s creation a wonderful mode of relaxation, as well as a way to focus on the present.
I’ve made it a point to cultivate meaningful, healthy friendships. I belong to a Catholic young adult group and young adult sports league affiliated with my church, which feed me mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.
I practice hospitality. Whether volunteering or creating a home-cooked meal to share with a neighbor, family, or friends, I love finding opportunities to be others-oriented in real time.
I make growing my personal relationship with God my focus. In setting aside time each day for cultivating my relationship with Him, I find my value and sure foundation in Him. Getting used to hearing his voice in prayer has made the voices of those online less loud and less important to me.
I also make an effort to make changes and not get too comfortable in my life. I love a good challenge, whether that be a week without checking my social media, or giving up my morning coffee a couple times a week. Small sacrifices keep me grounded in the present and help me hone in on what’s truly important.
When I’m living less online, I am better able to see that my life may be messy, but it is also beautiful. There’s freedom in not being bound to curating a “reality” for friends and strangers online. Embracing real life has meant that I’ve had to get honest with myself about where I fall short, how I could be doing better, and in what areas of my life I’m called to celebrate personal victories.
In cultivating the practices noted above, I noticed an immediate peace. Instead of fighting to keep up or change, I could relax and be myself. Especially when it comes to areas of personal struggle, God often asks us to press more deeply into those places with Him. Embracing and accepting my reality was the single most loving thing I could do for myself in my young adult years; it also took the pressure off and let God take the lead. My prayer is that He will continue to draw each of us to real-life places of rest.
