Stepping Out

It's been exactly 10 months since I wrote my last and very first blog. I've been an avid consumer of social media, especially Twitter (Yes, I will always call it Twitter. Elon, you can keep X). I lived in my own little world, surrounded by internet activists, folks interested in making a change, and also, unfortunately, some unsavory characters. The algorithm made sure I saw the most sensational content. The problem with that is you're either uplifted or traumatized; some content genuinely reveals dark truths about society, wars, and other harsh realities.

I don't blame Twitter or any social media platform; they simply reflect what people share. However, it gave me a bleak perspective that the world is messed up. I felt the need to constantly strive to make people more humane by talking to them, and anyone who disagreed was seen as having a skewed perception. Living inside my phone most of the time, without a life outside of it, really messed me up. I have no shame in admitting that.

I had to wait for this realization before making changes in my life. Now, I try to avoid living inside my phone as much as possible. I also had to accept that while the world has its issues, there's also plenty of good. We are often surrounded by negativity because that's what sells more copies and gets more likes. However, the bad cannot overshadow the good that is right in front of us, which gives hope. Not using social media won't change the world or eliminate its problems, but it has changed how I perceive and react to them. Now, I process negative information and use it to make positive changes in my life and for those around me, even if I can't fix everything.

Not doomscrolling comes with other benefits too. You get more time for other activities. While it's still a choice, I find joy in listening to audiobooks, learning new things, and writing blogs, unlike some who resort to destructive ways to feel significant or happy. A new friend recently asked me over coffee if I write. For days, I had been contemplating returning to writing, feeling I might have some talent, or maybe I just wanted to feel important. There's nothing wrong with that; we all have an intrinsic need to feel important. Her question sparked something in my brain and gave me the push I needed. I used to write a lot—rap songs, long articles I sent to loved ones. I think I enjoy doing that and then reading them off.

The last few weeks have been interesting—lots of changes and meeting new people. Perhaps I'll write about them in the next couple of days. I've been working diligently to improve myself in various ways, working hard, stepping out of my comfort zone, and always trying to do things that scare or challenge me. I feel great and hopeful. I don't need to consume social media to feel important; I just need to make choices that serve me now and will continue to serve me later.