FOMO - The Thief of Peace

Better to live in a wilderness
    than in a house with a contentious and angry woman.
Proverbs 21:19 CEB

Hi. My name is Christian, and I’ve been in a toxic relationship for the last ten years.

No, it’s not my husband or even my family – they’re all amazing.

It’s social media. Let me back up.

When most people read this passage they see a warning against marital discord, but I think there’s a larger discussion to be had about dysfunctional relationships in general.

Obviously marriage has its perks, but the author suggests that they aren’t worth trading your peace for. So it’s better to be in the woods alone and at peace than to be in the house in constant turmoil. This applies to human relationships as well as our interaction with technology.

When it comes to social media, instead of simply getting information, I find myself inundated with news constantly. Despite the effect on my mental health and general outlook on life, it’s difficult to stop the scroll, ’cause what if I miss something?

Here’s the truth: there is peace in the wilderness. There are definitely benefits to being in the know, like awareness and time to act. But let’s be honest; hearing about the latest shenanigans is more about consumption than action.

So I’m breaking up with my toxic social media partner. The perks just don’t outweigh my peace. And there are other less bombarding ways to get news and move on with the day. My method of choice is having the daily local news emailed to me and checking it once a day.

Is it time for you to prioritize your peace? Use the tips below to get started.

Put it into practice:

1. Take a break! – Find other ways to stay informed.
2. Set limits – only review at certain times of the day.

Prayer: God, give me the wisdom to choose peace in the wilderness over the Fear Of Missing Out.