Over the past few months, I’ve been paying closer attention to my digital life and how I spend my time. What I’ve found is that certain platforms are consuming my energy and attention, but not giving much in return. They haven’t led to meaningful results, deeper creativity, or healthier relationships.
It’s easy to fall into these patterns. Feeling bored? Scroll. Frustrated? Check your phone. Uncomfortable with your emotions? Suddenly, your hand reaches for Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or TikTok—without even thinking.
Choosing People Over Platforms
As a person with deep feelings and a full life, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing how powerful intentional communication and connection can be, especially in marriages.
What have I learned?… Jesus redeems our deepest wounds through relationships, not screens.
And as someone who has walked through trauma, I know firsthand that many of our deepest wounds are relational. Which means real healing also happens through relationships, not through devices.
This is the reason why I’ve chosen to take a break from social media. I want to be more intentional with my time and more present with face-to-face relationships in my life.
A Simple Step Toward Intentional Living
I’ll admit it—I tend to think in black-and-white terms. But this decision wasn’t made on a whim. It came from a growing awareness of how social media was affecting my life and interfering with a mission I care deeply about: building and supporting legacy marriages.
So, what’s my first step? I’m deleting the apps that pull me into mindless scrolling. Without those constant temptations, I can spend less time glued to my screen and more time investing in the people who matter most, especially my husband and my bonus kids.
It Wasn’t Always This Way…
This decision has been developing for some time. Months ago, I started by turning off social media notifications. I didn’t want an app to have more access to my attention than my own family did.
That small change helped, for a time. However, as time passed, I observed the return of this habit. I then realized I needed to go further and create stronger boundaries.
Watching everyone else’s “highlight reels” started making my own life feel inadequate by comparison. My joy and contentment began to slip away, little by little. And that’s a real-life issue that needs real-life solutions.
Substituting Screens for Real Connection
Working in a place that promotes open, honest communication in marriage and in the workplace has made me so much more aware of how screens can easily become a substitute for real connection. Just seeing how even texting with co-workers can be a hindrance to connection and understanding has been eye-opening.
At Legacy Marriage Resources, we don’t just talk about legacy marriages—we work to live them. That includes me. And while I don’t always get it right, I’m learning to value the small moments with my husband more than any digital distraction.
Mindless scrolling at night might seem harmless, but when it costs me intimacy and connection with my spouse, it’s simply not worth it.
Reflect: What Is Social Media Really Giving You?
I want to invite you to take a few moments and ask yourself:
- Is social media helping me live out my values?
- What feelings am I avoiding when I scroll?
- What needs am I trying to meet with these apps?
Here’s the truth: the things you’re looking for can’t be found through a screen. Connection, peace, and purpose come through real-life interactions, not digital ones.
This Is About Living More Fully—You Can Too
Stepping away from social media is a choice I’m making so I can live more intentionally, love more deeply, and support others more authentically, both in my personal life and in my daily work.
We don’t just guide others in their marriages. All members of our team, including the admin, regularly engage in self-reflection and development. We believe in practicing what we preach.
Ready to Take Your Own Step?
If you’ve found yourself stuck in more mindless scrolling than you’d like to admit, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out alone, either.
Our counselors at Legacy Marriage Resources are here to help. If you want to start building stronger off-screen relationships and develop a healthier digital rhythm, call our office and schedule a session.
You deserve better than having your time stolen by your phone.
You deserve REAL connection.
Let’s work on that together.
Author:
Nicole Waters
