Day 11 - My social media detox

The last few days have been quietly transformative — not in some loud, dramatic way, but through a deep, grounded shift I can feel right down at my core. It’s that kind of change that sneaks in softly and settles into your bones, leaving you different, yet still completely yourself. Stepping back from social media has given me space to actually feel again — to notice what’s real, what I truly value, and who I am beneath all the noise and distraction. I’m rediscovering parts of myself I’d either forgotten or never really had the chance to meet. And with that comes a growing sense of independence — one that feels honest, earned, and perfectly aligned with the kind of life I want to live.

This shift is exactly the kind I’d been hoping for, I’m no longer chasing validation or falling into the trap of comparing myself to others or feeling pressured to be “better” or “more” than anyone else. I’ve let go of jealousy, that sneaky emotion that used to bite at me in quiet moments. Instead, I’ve brought more structure and intention into my day-to-day life. That doesn’t mean everything is perfect — I still procrastinate sometimes, and I’m still learning how to be gentle with myself. But the difference now is that I don’t beat myself up for not ticking every box or being “productive enough.” I’m learning to meet myself where I am, and sometimes halfway, flaws and all, and that acceptance has made all the difference in how I feel each day.

One unexpected thing I’ve noticed during this break is how often I’ve been misplacing my phone — like, genuinely losing track of it around the house. I’ve had to use Google’s “Find My Phone” feature more times than I’d like to admit. At first, I thought this was just me being forgetful. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was actually a sign of progress.

With this detachment from the digital world, I’ve also noticed a stronger desire to be productive — but not in a pressured or perfectionist way. It’s coming from a place of wanting to use my time well, to build momentum in areas that truly matter. I want to keep creating, keep organizing my space, keep nurturing my wellbeing. It feels like my energy is finally being directed toward things that feed me, rather than drain me. And that feels like a kind of freedom I hadn’t experienced in a long time.

I want to be honest, though — this process hasn’t been without its challenges. I know this might come across as sensitive, but I still find myself thinking about the people who have tried to tear me down through trolling and hate online. That kind of emotional abuse leaves an echo, a lingering weight, even after you step away from the screen. But I’m learning that it no longer defines me or my worth. Those thoughts still come up sometimes — they’re like old ghosts I haven’t quite exorcised. But now, I see them for what they are. The people behind those comments are carrying pain and wounds they haven’t faced or healed yet. They use social media just like I do, but while I use it to share something meaningful and authentic, they use it as a tool to project their pain or frustrations. Their comments won’t stop me. I’ve built my skin thicker than they think — and honestly, probably thicker than theirs.

When I eventually come back to social media, I’ll know exactly how to handle it. I’ll post what I need to post, and then I’ll log off. I won’t let myself get tethered to the screen, obsessing over who liked, commented, or shared my posts. Because I’ve come to realize my worth doesn’t live in numbers or notifications. Instead, I’ll check in on my own terms — when I choose to — and engage when it feels right for me. It’s no longer about chasing attention or staying visible 24/7. It’s about showing up with intention and purpose, then stepping back to live my real life — the one where I create, move, rest, and actually live. I’ve realized that I don’t need to be constantly plugged in to make an impact. In fact, the more I disconnect from the noise, the more clearly I hear my own voice.

This experience has made me seriously consider doing more 30-day detoxes throughout the year. Not as a rigid rule or punishment, but as a way to recalibrate — to step back regularly and reconnect with what matters most. Those breaks help me return to that calm, grounded space where I can focus on my creativity, my wellbeing, and my own definition of success, free from comparison and distraction.

This detox has been a reminder that sometimes the best way forward is actually a step back, and to reset. And in that stillness, I’m finding the space to create a life that feels more authentic.