This post is for those curious as to why I'm leaving Instagram for half of a year, wondering what I'll be doing during that time, or perhaps those that also want to give themselves space from it. A few years ago I went off for 3 months, and it was really helpful, but not long enough. I'd like to share a few of my thoughts here. If you feel a tug on your heart to try something similar... lean into it. It could be exactly what you need. If you do, let me know so we can encourage each other! Another artist who does this every year is Carly White. She shares her experience on her site, if you'd like to read go here.
I'm actually terribly embarrassed that I use Instagram as much as I do. 2024 has been a difficult year for me and my family, not our worst but nonetheless hard. Various challenges create big feelings that I've coped with by not facing them and instead distract myself for brief moments by scrolling Instagram. Not a proud moment here, but what better way to kick off this next chapter than admit defeat and purge.
What bothers me is how I keep redownloading the app, or opening it on my browser, and it seems to have a hold over me that is unhealthy, damaging, and frankly just stupid. In my case, a ten day fast from social media wouldn't help me accomplish what I want, a 3 month fast doesn't feel committed enough, and so I'm going cold turkey and dedicating to 6 months. Oddly this seems easier to me. Kind of like how for me waking up in the 4:00 and 5:00 hours is easier to get out of bed then it is to wake up in the 6:00 hour. Maybe it's because I know I'm more likely to have an actual chunk of time for whatever I choose, before my kids wake up. I think the longer time away from Instagram will also help me to create a more lasting inner shift.
I've often rationalized using Instagram as a tool to help my art business. As I've looked at it constructively and honestly, I see that while Instagram gives me a place to share, it has not been a particularly noteworthy tool in helping me earn money for my work. Which makes this excuse invalid. Instead, my scrolling wastes time and breeds comparison & judgement, clouds organic ideas, and stifles creativity. I'm sick of it, and ready for a long, rejuvenating reset.
Why I'm Purging Instagram For So Long
I'm actually really excited! Here's some of the reasons why:
Tackle the embarrassing to admit addiction. When I choose or mindlessly turn to distraction to "escape" my big feelings, stresses or cope with my ADHD, instead of turning to God, I think God is offended. I want to be a disciple of Christ, but how can I when my brain has no space for Him?
Free space in myself to be more mentally, spiritually, and emotionally available to my children, husband, and others. And now that I'm thinking of it... more available to myself as well.
Find more joy being with others, and reign in the selfish impulses.
Lessen consciously and subconsciously seeking validation or acknowledgement for my work.
Encourage organic creation with less influence from other artists, and more purpose and soul.
Give my work time to be kept private and even held sacred for a time, allowing me to refine, adjust, scrape, honor, sort, and process its purpose.
Build a collection of work with deeper meaning, to share later this year
I ought to say I don't think Instagram is bad or that everyone should do this. I just think this will help me get closer to the person I want to be. I even look forward to returning in July and sharing what I've been working on over the course of those 6 months! In the meantime, I plan to add to my new blog (this is my first post) and nourish those who opt in to my email list.
What I Plan To Do Instead
A few things I am hoping and planning to do and focus on during these 6 months are:
Align myself as a seeker of Jesus Christ, and strive to become His disciple
Becoming a better listener to my children, hubs, friends, family, strangers, and especially of God.
Create many paintings that emulate love and move viewers to want to seek Christ in a transformational way.
Write. I want to write so badly. I'll do small things here on this fun new blog, but I'm hoping to progress with that book I've had brewing for a couple years.
Make friends.: mom friends, grandma friends, art friends... all the friends!
Spend more time creating, rather than consuming.
When I do consume, I aim to choose things like learning and stories.
Progress in my training with my mentor Louis Carr and climb that next peak of skill I'm trying to achieve. Perhaps I'll even be able to finish this academic cast drawing I've been working on for months!
To end, I'd like to share the lyrics of a song by JJ Heller (who I love) called "This Year". Here's the youtube link, if you'd like to listen in.
This Year
JJ Heller
VERSE 1
This year
I'm not looking back to who I was
Because I'm gonna be someone I've never been
This year
I'm not focussed on the cracks in the walls
Not keeping track of all the times I fall
This year
So long to last year
It's all becoming so clear
There's no use living in regret
Let's fight a good fight
Train our eyes to find the light
And make this year the best one yet
Starting right here
Happy New Year!
VERSE 2
This year
I can't wait to see what good will come
To feel alive instead of feeling numb
This year
I plan on thinking less of I and me
I resolve to think of us and we
This year
So long to the last year
It's all becoming so clear
There's no use living in regret
Let's fight a good fight
Train our eyes to find the light
And make this year the best one yet
Starting right here
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
As always, the best way to communicate with me is by email at studio@samanthanewton.com This could include topics of commissions, modeling, ordering, collaborating, show/exhibitions, etc.
God bless my friends!
Yes!! I have been feeling this, stronger and stronger lately. Thank you for sharing your determination and thoughts. I need to make my own changes like this and turn my focus to the more important and better places.