How I Broke up with Instagram for 3 Months
I did it. On January 1, 2021 I deleted Instagram from me phone. It was the only way to stop the cycle of scrolling, comparing, searching for the next artist opportunity. So I did it.
And you know what? I missed it for a few days. Reflexively picking up the phone to scroll is a real thing. My email quickly became the next stop for my busy fingers. So I rearranged my home screens, deleted more apps and then hid my phone in the junk drawer most of the day.
Wow, what a hold these companies have on our psyche.
As an artist, Instagram is so important. It’s where the collectors are. It’s where the gallerists are hanging out. It’s where we are all image-obsessed. So I’m setting a schedule, setting an alarm each time I’m on, and also responding to DMs and comments through my desktop so that the scroll doesn’t happen.
So… I’m back! Three months away from Instagram and I feel SO much better. Sometimes you need a breather and y’all... I needed it.
It’s such a reflex, right? Filling the space with scrolling instead of thinking and being present. That was me. 11 years on Instagram and 2020 did me in.
So I’m cautiously back. I’ll be sharing my artwork, adventures on our incredibly rocky and beautiful land, and maybe some fun updates on C with her teenage consent of course.
Even though my mind is clearer and I don’t have the urge to grab my phone in each moment of downtime; I’ve missed all of the updates. The joys, the kiddos, the stunning art, losses, success, and failures.
If an Instagram post happens, but no one sees it… did it really happen?
