Social Media’s Out for Summer: Why I’m Taking a Partial Social Media Hiatus

“I’m sure no one ever thinks about it…but these snapshots are our little stand against the flow of time. 
The shutter is clicked, the flash goes off…

And we’ve stopped time. If just for the blink of an eye.

And if these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it’s this: I was here. I existed. I was young and I was happy…

and someone cared enough about me in this world, to take my picture.”

If you’ve seen the movie One Hour Photo starring Robin Williams, you may remember this quote. Watching the movie again recently, the words got me like a jab straight to the gut. But perhaps not in the way you might think. While the words did resonate the sentiment that photographs are ever-so-important, it resonated another sentiment even more. One of disconnecting in this world we live of C-O-N-S-T-A-N-T connection. Taking time to breath and to be present, without sharing every move we make in hopes of “likes” and followers.

I think things in the social media world have evolved at such a fast pace, that we sometimes don’t even realize how much it’s effected the ebbs and flows of our lives, our emotions, and our relationships. While I absolutely CHERISH social media for it’s ability to connect us with the outside world, I think most of us can agree in this age of DAILY Facebook spats, that it’s both a blessing and a curse.

I am ever-so-grateful for the parts of social media that have allowed me to expand my mind and my relationships with thoughts and people that I never before would have been able to encounter in the same ways–or on the same levels. However, I think we can all agree that the “Keeping up with the Joneses” and the Facebook aggression on topics like vaccinations, political debates, and parental critiques are at an all-time-high enough to make an onlooker sick to the stomach.

(Photo by Jenna Kutcher)

So, what am I getting at?

Well, after much debate (and fear)–as social media does drive an inherent part of my business–I’ve decided to take a little hiatus from Facebook and blogging. It’s VERY semi-permanent, but I truly believe a break from the constant chatter to NOT document every move I make and instead observe the real-life happenings around me is essential for growth and development.

With that being said, I WILL still be present on Instagram and you can follow me @kalinorton. I’m not sure exactly what date I’ll be back on Facebook and blogging, but it will likely be around mid-August. When I do return, my hope is to share with you any insight and growth that occurred in my absence.

While this step was a little scary for me, as blogging twice a week has become such a vital part of my business, I truly believe this break is necessary. After all, the scariest things usually birth the best transformation, right?

In the meantime, if you’d like to reach out or connect with me, you CAN still do so via email, Instagram (@kalinorton) and Snapchat (@kalinorton).

Happy Summer, friends!