ARE YOU USING YOUR TIME// Deciding to Spend Less Time on Instagram

Flay lay of groceries in glass jars and cloth bags. Zero waste and plastic free organic groceries from The Soap Dispensary in Vancouver British Columbia. Photography by Leah Williams for Life Made Light. Clockwise from Left to Right: Pasta, honey, …

A few months ago I said to Clary Chambers "I don't think I'm going to look back and be like 'I wish spent more of my late twenties and early thirties on Instagram.'"

While we laughed about this and thought it was hilarious, it's real, a serious concern, and I’ve kept thinking about it.

This realization, that life is happening, and I've used a lot of time on my phone, (specifically Instagram) is making me deeply reassess my priorities. I am actively changing my intentions and shifting where I focus my attention. Because we only get so much time.

I know that if I don't redirect where my attention and energy is flowing, years from now, I'll wish I didn't waste so many hours on things that didn't really matter or truly serve my goals and soul path.

For now, once a month, I'll be writing one post, sending out the Life Made Light subscription newsletter, and creating a Spotify playlist. But I'm stepping back and pulling in some of myself from how I engage with Life Made Light on Instagram. I don't want to feel tied to a platform that asks you to conform or behave in a certain way in order to be seen.

I used to post a lot of pictures like this for the #ZeroWasteMovement. While they’re visually beautiful, these kind of images no longer represent my ideas. And I believe I will have a greater impact if I shift how I use social media.

I can see that I'm at a fork in the road. I can't keep doing the same things and expect a different outcome.

If I want to be a more connected, deeply tuned in person contributing to the collective with intention and mindfulness, then I have to change. I want to be awake and present for life, not checking a circuit of apps on my phone. I want to create and contribute more than I consume, and approach sustainability and environmental activism from a place of abundance.

I appreciate everyone who continues to read and support my work. It is a gift to give time.

PHOTO FROM 2018: Package-free groceries from The Soap Dispensary in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SEPTEMBER PLAYLIST: Vol. #08 September (HOME IS RETURNING TO YOUR BODY)