I've been thinking a lot lately about fear vs. love & ego vs. soul. Whether you are into spirituality/personal development or not, you can probably agree that fear and egos rule our world these days. 

Our fear based thoughts and ego love to control us and hold us back. They act like they are protecting us but they aren't. 

Since my last post, I've still been thinking a lot about social media. Why is it that I (and probably most people out there) sit at home, watch TV and scroll on my phone for hours on end? I start thinking about how I could be painting, writing, exercising, cooking, calling someone to hang out, or otherwise doing something much more productive, fun or fulfilling. What stops me? My ego. Here are some examples:
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• Eh, if you start asking people to hang out, everyone will be busy and you'll feel lonely and unloved. 
• Why bother getting out all of your paint stuff? You're not good at painting anyway. What will you do with that painting? It is just more clutter. 
• Why bother perfecting your website? No one cares anyway. You're a phony. Who are you really going to help? You're just going to get criticism because you need to learn more first. 
• You just ate so you really shouldn't exercise yet. It is too cold to go outside today anyway. You really should move your body but doesn't it feel so much better on the couch?

Think about it. All of us have thoughts like this. Do you even notice them anymore?

So yeah, sitting on the couch, mindlessly watching TV & staring at my phone, scrolling through the same social media posts is way easier. My ego shuts up a little bit. But am I also bored, tired and feel lazy? Yep. (Not saying you should never watch TV or use your phone or rest on the couch. We all need those 'lazy' nights to unwind!)

Think about the last time you were scared to do something. Something you wanted to do but felt extremely nervous or resistant to actually sign up or drive to or call in. Now think of a time when you felt this way, pushed your fear aside and did it anyway. How did you feel afterwards? Bet you probably felt happy, relieved and proud. I bet you felt super glad that you sucked it up and did it even though you were nervous or afraid. Even if it didn't turn out like you hoped, you probably got a great lesson or a hilarious story to tell your friends. 

I'm trying to shut down my ego and my fear more often. I'm trying to spend less time on social media and more time present in life (especially around others!). I'm trying to go out in the world and do more things that scare me. 

Will you join me? Share with me in a comment one thing that your ego tells you and how you will shut it down. For example, when I am stuck in a cycle of feeling bored and lazy, I will sit and think about what I really want to do right now. If painting comes to mind, I will get out my paints. 

Also, if you're interested, you can sign up for my course. If you are a fellow highly sensitive person who is interested in learning more about how to take care of yourself, honor your emotions and thrive as a HSP, check it out. When you sign up, you'll also be included in a closed Facebook group for support from fellow HSPs and ME! This course is heavily relied on journaling too if you're into that. :) If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. 

I'm only 27 and I remember days before having Internet, a cell phone, Facebook, etc. 

Weird how kids these days don't actually know a time before these things became so ingrained in our culture. 

I've been thinking a lot about social media detoxes and highly sensitive people (the last day in my course focuses on a social media detox even though the course is centered around support in a Facebook group). This might seem strange, but I think it is really important for HSPs to take a step back from the Internet to recharge.

I’ll admit that lately I've been craving some time away from social media, but I haven't really taken a break. Am I addicted? Probably. But I was also thinking about it in terms of my highly sensitive nature. Here are some thoughts that go through my brain that I don’t know if non-HSPs think about...

• If I don't go on Facebook or Instagram or Twitter multiple times a day, what if I miss a friend's post? I won't know about something in their life and they will be upset that I didn't "like" it. (This also goes into FOMO... fear of missing out.) People don't like to announce news in person, they just post on Facebook and are done with it. I don’t want to upset anyone.
• This also goes for events... people rarely call, text or send invitations in the mail anymore. What if I miss out on knowing about an event I'd really like to attend?
• I like seeing inspirational and positive quotes on social media. What if I miss something that could be great for me to read?
• I need to be active constantly on my Find Your Magic accounts to connect with those who might need my support. 

I think social media is amazing but too much is also really bad for people in general, especially HSPs. If you're highly sensitive, how many of these instances has happened to you?

• You see a cruel post or get a rude comment on a social media site and it bothers you for DAYS. 
• You see something violent or upsetting and it makes you physically upset or gives you uncomfortable physical feelings. 
• You're frequently bothered by the drama, the news postings or other posts. 
• You get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of posts and information and start to feel anxiety as you are scrolling and scrolling... 
• You start to get anxious or overwhelmed by the notifications and noise coming from your phone or computer. 

So what do you do if you agree with all of the above?

• Sign up for my course! ;-) You'll get more information and journaling prompts on this topic and support from me. 
• Take frequent breaks - if you're worried about people missing you online, let your friends and family know that you're taking a break. 
• Take stock of your accounts. Which ones do you really use? Can you delete a few apps? I recently went through and unfollowed people and in general cleaned up my social media accounts and my email. It feels so good!

What do you think? Are you highly sensitive? Do you ever take a social media detox? Are you one of those mysterious people who doesn't even have a Facebook? Would you like to see me offer a mini-course on digital detox? Let's chat!

If you're still wayyyy into social media, connect with me on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. I post a lot of inspirational and positive content, especially content geared towards HSP. (But yes, I do take breaks... I took a few days off around the holidays from posting and it felt great to return recharged!)