*A note about this post, and posts to follow: This blog began as a fun way to share my opinions and ideas on pregnancy and parenting. I see this morphing into a way for me to reflect on my choices as a parent and a human being in general.
Dear Angie,
We are in difficult days as a country, and it is heartbreaking. When a parent becomes sad, overly-reflective, disenchanted, what does that mean for their parenting? Well, obviously, it suffers. Sadness and frustration takes robs you of the energy you need to give to others.
Yesterday, I heard from a friend at our church whose extended family has suffered a terrible tragedy. That information was the last thing I could handle before just breaking down in tears. I am sad, but more than anything I am frustrated. I'm frustrated that people who need help cannot get it. I'm frustrated about the type of gun we can legally buy in this country. I'm frustrated that when I get on facebook, I see more and more divides, and worse, that I feel walls building between myself and former neighbors, classmates, friends.
Something has to give. I know that change will not be swift in coming to the approach toward gun control and the attitude toward mental illness. But I am in control of my facebook usage. And I'm taking a break. I love facebook. I love seeing the pictures. I love that I can communicate easier. But I am tired of the noise. And when I'm honest with myself, I know that I waste a lot of time on the thing.
I'm praying to find solutions. I'm praying for peace. And I'm certain that this choice is leading me in the right direction.
I apologize that I didn't see this post earlier. My Lenten break from Facebook has definitely lessened some "noise", but I have also missed out on some announcements and pictures of new little ones entering this world. And I feel as though I have lost touch with some who I regularly keep up with. I plan to once again become an active member after Lent, but I also plan to either remove some people or at least hide their posts as I am not interested in all of the negativity. Facebook for me is meant to be social and a way to keep with with the goings on of so many of my friends and family who are so far away. I am blessed to have such a wonderful family and a big family and I hate not knowing what is going on with everyone. So, I will be back soon, but will do my best to hide the people/information that doesn't make me feel good. Love you Aunt Julie!
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