Why I Stopped Sharing Everything Online
About a year ago, I deleted my online presence. I began to feel like I was just contributing to the noise. Endless scrolling on Instagram and Threads began to mess with my mental health because I couldn’t help but compare myself to others. Additionally, when I shared my images, a lot of them were stolen. I would report this over and over but the theft continued.
Then, when I lost Mozi in July, I had to stop. I took a social media break. I deleted Facebook completely and never looked back. Social media can be such a cesspool and I didn’t want to contribute to that.
I began to live deliberately. I slowed down and got quiet…and I discovered I liked it!I like the slow, deliberate way of living online and off. There is a simple joy in doing things slowly and quietly. It’s not something I’ve ever had the opportunity to do before.
As this became part of my life, I began to apply to my photography. Because I stopped photographing dogs, I had to re-learn how to shoot in a slow and deliberate fashion. I changed my camera settings to no longer shoot in burst mode. I began to pay attention to composition, color, and details because I didn’t have a dog as a subject. It’s a huge change, but I did it quietly and softly. I started to remember the little things that brought me joy.
See, when Mozi was alive, she had a subscription to Bark Box. When her box arrived, I would say “it’s Bark Box day!” and she would get so excited! The walk to the mail box was full of fun. We’d get her box and walk back home. We were both excited to see what was in the box and I tried to make it last as long as possible. It was the best day of the month for both of us.
This reminded me about how much I used to love getting mail when I was a kid. My mom was my “secret pal” and she would send me mail at least twice a month. I think I was 12 when I finally figured out it was her. She continued to send me little things until I was 15 or so.
As I began to remember these things and mull over how things have changed in my life, I realized how much I miss getting mail. Snail mail. I began to understand why I detest social media and email so much.
Finally, the thoughts connected. This way of thinking is what eventually led me to create The Shutter Bug Post Card Club. I create a post card each month, from an image I’ve created and I mail it to the members of my small post card club. I love creating the post cards and the feedback I get when my members receive their post card. Because I only create one post card a month, my pace is slow and deliberate. And, I don’t post any of those images online so there is no pressure for me to create and post. It’s a win-win!
If this resonates, you may enjoy the post card club too! Learn more here!
Love,
Holly