Fast - Days 5 and 6

Day 5
The fifth day, was a Sunday.  Since we all went to SS and church, the first part of the day was busy and there was not much down time to make my wandering mind available for the FB compulsion.  The after noon and evening was spent setting up Christmas decorations inside the house.  Afterward, Laurie tagged me in another status and I wanted to go check it.

I find myself still rationalizing getting on before the one week limit with excuses that are actually valid.  I have a FB friend who has sent me private messages when he is struggling and I wonder if he has sent me a message, and I have missed the opportunity to be available for him.  That is the most persistent thought.

Day 6
My first traditional day back at work and I must say, I was more industrious.  The compulsion is still there after session to "cool down" and regroup by checking FB, but I have not given in to the compulsion.  I find myself glancing at other people's phone screens when they are on FB or Twitter. 

I recently read an article that linked an increase of Narcissism to social networking.  That actually makes sense because we assume that people are interested enough in us to care about what we are having for lunch or what we are craving.  FB is centered around the self.  I hope to get beyond that.  Although I will be getting back on FB after the 7th day.  I will attempt to be more purposeful in my posting and diligent with my time.

Fast - Day Four

I awakened this morning to learn that the NBA lockout is ending.  This news made me want to check Twitter because I follow many NBA players and ESPN broadcasters, and I wanted more information - more firsthand information.  But, I remained begrudgingly faithful to the fast. 

There were many plans made for the day that mostly included decorating the house inside and out for Christmas.  The weather was cold and EXTREMELY windy to the point of being unable to even keep the storage building's door open with 3 of us out there trying to keep it open and unload decorations.  So, we quickly decided, it would be a bad idea to get the decorations out for the day.  So, I spent much of the day doing laundry, reading, and grading.  There were a few times I felt compelled to check FB or had a status idea, but the feelings and thoughts were fleeting.    Then that evening, I got an email notifying me that I was tagged in a status that Laurie posted, and I really wanted to read it.  My rationalizations increased and even as I compose this post, I am wanting to check FB on my computer and rationalize that I will just keep it off my phone.  But, I've committed to a week, and I will attempt to meet that goal. 

Fast - Day 3

Today, I noticed not having access to social media more than the other two.  The family and I shopped most of the day, and there were those times I was waiting that I am accustom to just pulling out the phone and checking.  Also, posting the link to yesterday's post on Facebook made me more anxious to check because I like the instant gratification of being able to see "likes" or comments on FB. 

Today was a good day to measure efficiency simply because we did not do much.  I was forced to re-engage what used to be one of my favorite things to do -- people watching.  I did not do more reading, but found myself watching television during the "down time." 

We attended the Stamford/Albany football game tonight in the heavy drizzle and cold.  I found it humorous how many people had their smart phones out in the wet weather and were checking FB or sending text messages. 

Fast - Day One and Two

I recently read an article that offered a challenge to take a fast from social networking.  I decided to take the challenge.  Yesterday, I parked in the lot of my work, opened my phone and deleted the apps for Facebook and Twitter.  My thoughts are to see how much I have conditioned myself to check these sites, how much it has impacted by efficiency, to what degree I would have "withdrawals", and if I would be more socially engaged in my relationships.

I am not one who updates statuses multiple times a day, but I do check FB multiple times a day.  If I do post an update, I find myself checking more frequently just to see if people have commented.  Twitter is something I check 3 times a day.

Day 1:  This day at work was an administrative day which seems more inclined for checking my sites.  However, I found that I thought about it very little.  I attribute this to the initial commitment to begin the fast and expect this determination to diminish along the way.  I do find myself having thoughts/insights and thinking, "that would make a great status."  Along the lines of efficiency, I found myself getting more work done.  Withdrawals are not significant, and although I find myself more engaged or attempting to be, I find that many of those in my circle are checking Facebook and Twitter.

Day 2:  I awakened this morning and fought the urge to immediately check Facebook.  I thought about checking FB multiple times today (esp. when family members were discussing posts).  In terms of efficiency, I got a large amount of papers graded and found myself taking breaks to check e-mail and "Hanging with Friends." 

I would like to read more, and get more done around the house.

I don't know how long I will fast, but it will be at least a week.

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