At the end of 2022, I decided to leave Instagram and Tiktok. As an empath, I’m surprised I didn’t leave sooner!
I thought these social media platforms were vital for my creativity and growth as an Artist. I know it has helped other creatives grow a following and to get their work seen by many, but over the last several years it has been frustrating for me. EXTREMELY frustrating. With all the inevitable changes these social platforms were going through, it was hard to keep up. I felt like my work wasn’t getting the recognition it deserved, and Instagram just wasn’t bringing me joy. Instagram for me felt like high school all over again. It felt very competitive in an unhealthy way, which isn’t the environment I wanted to be in. I want to take up space where I can be myself and where we all can genuinely uplift and support one another. Yes, it can be a totally different experience for someone else, but for me, Instagram just wasn’t the vibe.
As a 2/4 sacral Generator in Human Design, I had to listen to my gut. If you don’t know what Human Design is, it’s a powerful system all about self-exploration that combines ancient and modern beliefs (Astrology, I’Ching, Chakra system, and Kabbalistic Tree of Life). Listening to our gut/sacral center is how Generators best make decisions. So, when I asked myself, “Do Instagram and Tiktok excite me?” The instant sensations in my body were tightness in my chest and stomach. When that happens, the answer is a full-body NO. If something is a full-body YES, there’s this expansive feeling in my body, I smile from ear to ear, and I will 99.9% of the time do a happy dance. Yes, a happy dance! Especially when it comes to food, lol.
So, since I felt a full-body NO when it came to Instagram and Tiktok, I immediately deactivated both social media accounts. Also, the “Not-Self Theme” for Generators is frustration. So the fact that Instagram especially brought so much frustration in me, I knew that platform just wasn’t for me.
Now, the only social media I use is YouTube. Personally, I see YouTube more as entertainment and a valuable tool for information. Sure, I comment and respond to comments every now and then, but I don’t socialize there as I did on Instagram and Tiktok. Ever since I started my channel back in 2014, YouTube has consistently brought me the most joy and I’m ALWAYS excited to make video content. The reason why making videos excites me is that it brings me back to my childhood when my siblings, cousins, and I used to film our own tv shows and skits on our camcorders. So basically, creating videos heals my inner child. 😊❤️ I feel like I can truly show up as my authentic self, grow a genuine community, and expand my creativity.
I’ve also decided to bring back my blog! Blogs have evolved over the years, but they’re certainly not dead. Back when LiveJournal, Myspace, Tumblr, and Blogspot were still relevant, blogging was my favorite outlet. I miss sharing my thoughts and insights through writing, especially when it’s hard for me to fully articulate through my voice. I mainly want to keep this for myself, but if my blog reaches and inspires others all over the world, then that’s a bonus!
One major takeaway I’ve gained from leaving Instagram and Tiktok is that I don’t have to follow the same formula that most successful Artists take. I can gain success doing things my way and focusing on the platforms that I feel most connected to. I guess you can say I like to march to the beat of my own drum. People may not understand what I do initially, but I’m okay with being misunderstood. I know that as long as I show up and do what I love, I will naturally attract the right community for me.
Anyway, life without social media so far has been amazing, peaceful, and productive. 10/10 I would highly recommend it. I no longer crave that dopamine rush from scrolling mindlessly on social media. What I crave most is the present moment. Being here, living life, focusing on what I love, spending quality time with those I love, nourishing my soul with mindfulness activities, and appreciating the little things in life. I truly enjoy my own company. I’m the type of person who loves solitude. Solitude is the best way to understand yourself, and when you understand yourself, you realize that you already have everything within you. You don’t look for anything outside of yourself for validation. You are amazing, you are peace, you are love, you are abundant…just as you are ✨
Of course in typical Pisces (sun & mercury) fashion, I had to get all deep and philosophical. lol.
That’s it for my first blog post. I hope you enjoyed it! I’ll be posting on here whenever I feel called to.