lighter living
by elizestrydom
Hi there, new year! I was going to do one of those ‘2013 in review’ posts but to be honest, I’m just not feeling it. I used to be quite a conscientious past-preserver but lately I’ve experienced the joys of letting go of such detailed documentation and I’ve started to ignore the ‘need’ to stay connected to a huge cast of acquaintances. Instagram was one of the first casualties. I wasted far too much time scrolling through the feeds of friends AND strangers, constantly comparing, obsessing and feeling inadequate. No thanks. I had the same problem with Facebook before I deleted my account 18 or so months ago. Of course, my decision is not for everyone. Some people really enjoy social media and are able to simply have fun. Not me. I get overwhelmed interacting and maintaining relationships with such a large number of people. It just comes back to the ol’ quality over quantity. So, 2014: the year of letting go and living light(er); getting rid of the junk – the destructive thought patterns, the perceived expectations of others, the unhealthy efforts to fit in – that’s weighing me down and preventing me from living my best life. You’ll probably see me here a little more. I’ve become so fond of sharing images and ideas in this space. At times I feel as though I’m talking to myself but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I reckon that if you do something primarily for yourself it’s more likely to be authentic and unique.
olive and oak 
Ahhh…sounds familiar.. “the perceived expectations of others, the unhealthy efforts to fit in ” that’s me to a T..yikes!! Thanks for the timely reminders as ever. Let’s share more.
A x
Yeah, it’s such a hard one, huh? You can’t completely withdraw and become a hermit. But actively engaging with multiple social networks plus ‘real life’ friends and acquaintances is pretty damn exhausting. How do you live a light life for yourself while still being a generous and open person…who isn’t caught up in what everybody else is doing? I’m still working it out but it’s good to know I’m not on the journey alone 😉
E x
Everything you expressed here resonates so much with my feelings for 2014- it is most certainly the year of letting go.
Looking forward to more posts this year.
xA
Thanks, Amanda! I’m glad we’re on the same page. E x
I’ve been thinking a bit lately about how all the social medias have a way of hacking into imagination space, so have checked out of Facebook and Pinterest in the last couple of weeks. I think your goals are lovely. So excited to keep seeing you awesome photos here this year. Xo e.
Yes. Lighter, simpler, happier. And for YOU. All for yourself. Happily selfish. That’s my key. x
I felt encouraged to delete all social media after your efforts and I could not be more happy about it! Also, if your exiting from the world of apps means more blogs posts and photos, then hooray for that! Your snapshots are always, always such a treat. Here’s to a lighter 2014!
Wow, Heather. That’s a bold move – good on you. I’m so glad you enjoy my images/musings. Thanks so much for saying so!
A fresh, clean slate sounds perfect for 2014. Too simplify will gratify! Where did you get that wonderful doormat?
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