All that glitters is not gold

Face book -- I'll begin by telling you I am "deactivated" and don't plan to "reactivate" any time soon.  One might could argue that my deactivation a few weeks ago was a sign of what was to come.  I disassociated with many things and that was one of many.  Now that I am in recovery, I find myself oddly still wanting to stay "deactivated."  

A sampling of my old Face book feed would include several Cross fit updates complete with photos (reminding me of exactly how out of shape I am), a plethora of Birthday greetings (making me feel guilty I haven't wished each & every FB friend HB daily), numerous nutty game updates (do these people have jobs?),  Beach vacation photos (reminding me I'm stuck in my office working) and finally several selfies (I'll withhold an opinion on those, right Natalie Davis?).  Honestly, I don't feel any of those items I listed is assisting in lifting me up and working for the greater good in my healing.  Sure, I'm missing out on some interesting gossip no doubt and perhaps some exciting news such as babies, engagements and other monumental events.  I figure that's what girlfriends and text messages are for -- to keep me in the know.  

I read an article that stated something along the lines that FB was like a PR campaign, most of what you see is the good news or the end result, not the in between.  For example, you get the "I got the job and I got a raise -- not the grueling teary job search, you get the awesome week long vacation photos with sunsets and drinks -- not the beanie weenies you had to eat to afford the trip."  You get the gist.  All that glitters isn't always gold.    

Truly, if you feel depressed or that something in your life is lacking, the last place you need to be is behind your computer screen.  My mother has always said the power of the handwritten word can never be replaced by a computer.  I would also add that the power of a face to face conversation cannot be replaced by an email or a Face book status update.  

I'm finding myself busier than ever the last couple of weeks since being "sprung" from Peachford and I don't need to add my mindless clicking on the blue Face book icon to the list.  I'm both happier and healthier without it.  The fact I'm on twitter and instagram probably seem confusing to some.  I get that and I'm not sure I have a perfect explanation other than the fact I love seeing babies, animals and home decor on my instagram feed -- all happy things to me.  On twitter, I adore the fact I can combine my "Tammy tabloid" TMZ curiosity while at the same time, satisfy my need to see the Silver Fox, Anderson Cooper and CNN to feel somewhat intelligent.  I've also found it an important resource for researching mental illness, depression and various blogs which have guided me in a positive direction.  

Face book has proven itself for the greater good in my life and already served its purpose, I wouldn't be with a certain Ginger right now without that friend request popping up in August, 2009.