I left Whatsapp for One Month
In one of Aramide’s newsletters, she mentioned something that I agree with. Here’s what she said
When you go on social media, you do not just see posts; you hear a lot of voices. People are literally sharing what is on their minds out there.
It is either a voice of validation, instruction, correction, idea, comparison, critique, or gossip. You always hear something, either consciously or unconsciously.
Which reminded me of my one month away from social media, sometime in July. And then, another one month break from social media (this time, including Whatsapp) for the month of October.
Leaving Whatsapp wasn’t an easy decision, as it became very obvious how much I, and the entire world rely on that single application to keep communication alive. In fact, I’ve been planning to take a break from whatsapp for as far as 2021, but never quite found the opportunity to leave. So many work-related groups, mentorship groups, school, friends, family, that I couldn’t just shut the door on and have my break.
But in October, it just clicked!
The truth is, I was drowning in external noise. My world felt overwhelming, and I craved space to hear myself think, to reconnect with that inner voice (and God’s voice too) that gets lost in the social media chatter.
Social media bombards you with everyone else’s highlight reel. Inspiration? Sure. But it also piles on the pressure, the feeling you’re falling behind, not doing enough. It can even make you subconsciously ditch your own goals for someone else’s — totally off the path God intended for you.
So, take a break. Take multiple breaks! At least a month, once a year. Trust me, the peace you find might just make you forget “coming back”.
October ended up being the most peaceful month of my entire year. You don’t truly appreciate the power of silence, of truly hearing yourself, until you experience it. It was a complete social media blackout for me, and I’m grateful.
