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I’m going to go out on a limb and make the assumption that every one of us knows that social media can become addictive. Especially when emotions are running high, and we are all searching for comfort, for safe places to feel like we are understood and belong. For reassurance and maybe justification. For the most part, there is nothing wrong with that. Facebook is an amazing opportunity to connect with people you would otherwise have lost touch with years ago, to feel close to people separated by geography, and to use your voice. But this week, I realized it was doing more harm than good for me. I couldn’t rip my eyes away from my feed. I spent more time reading articles online, my heart pounding in my chest, than I did focusing on my kids, who were playing by themselves right in front of me. I need a change.

There isn’t much I can control about what is happening in the country. That is a sad realization that became even more poignant to me this week. A feeling of powerlessness. That never sits well with me, though. I am not the type to feel helpless for very long. If I am nothing else, I am strong. What I chose to focus on every day IS in my control.

So, I am going to focus on Eloise and Mae. I am going to teach by example that anger doesn’t have to consume you, and that even in the most frustrating times, we can take a deep breath and prioritize each other. I will continue to teach them strength of character, that being kind and having an open mind and heart are among the most important things in life, and that come what may, everything will be alright.

I am going to focus on my job, because it is busy season and I love what I do. I am still going to use my blog to share my clients’ latest photos, to document my own family’s milestones, and to vent my thoughts and emotions. I sincerely hope you will continue to join me here. My blog does not typically draw the same amount of connectivity that the JSP Facebook page does. The only person to consistently comment here is my Mom. (Thanks, Mom! Love you!) I hope that changes. Because it brings me great joy to hear from all of you. You have all become friends. I have shared your journeys over the years, and you have shared mine. We have watched each other’s kids grow, met each other’s families, shared in each other’s wins and losses. Let’s not lose touch. My Facebook hiatus most likely won’t be permanent, but let’s see where it leads. This will be an interesting experiment, if nothing else.