I took a few days off social media last week, after the elections. On Election Day, I worked a 15 hour day, then went home and watched TV until about 2am. When I woke up I jumped on social media to find that yes, Trump did in fact win the election. I started scrolling through social media and I was shocked by what I found. So. Much. Hate. Nasty words from both sides. Friends who grew up together battling and belittling each other in the comments section for everyone to see.
It was too much. I don’t know if it was exhaustion, anxiety, stress.. or a mix of all three… but it broke me down. I started to cry. And not just a little bit. Hysterical, fat teared, ugly face cry. My husband was getting ready for work and he walked over to ask me what was wrong. I blubbered out something, but I know it didn’t make any sense. I couldn’t even put into words how I was feeling.
He told me to put down my phone and to stay off social media for the day. I posted one picture on Instagram with a explainer that I would be taking a social media break. (One of the strange things about being a blogger is feeling the need to be “present” on social media) I have to admit, staying away from Facebook was the best thing I could have done. I didn’t miss it one bit. I attempted to hop back on Thursday, quickly realized it was a BAD idea and logged off once again.
I am so thankful that I had Friday off and my 12th wedding anniversary was Saturday. We couldn’t find a sitter so we decided to pack up the car, grab the kids and head to the happiest place on earth. We surprised the kids by telling them they had 10 minutes to pack up some stuffed animals and toys since the car was packed and ready to go. They were SO excited!
The weekend was exactly what I needed. It reminded me how thankful I am for my family and I cherished every moment of the trip. The kids were so thrilled to be there, you could just see the joy in their faces. When we were driving back I thought about how good it made me feel that my husband and I were able to do that. That’s when I decided I wanted to do a Be Kind Challenge.
It is the perfect time, since we are heading into the holiday season. I also know I am not the only one feeling anxious these days, and nothing makes you feel better than doing something nice for someone else. So I am challenging myself, and YOU, to commit two small acts of kindness a week for the next month. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It doesn’t have to cost money. If you feel like it, post about it on social media with the hashtag #BeKindChallenge2016 so I can feature you!
If you need some ideas, I’ve got you covered! I’ve created a printable (my second printable EVER) with 50 Be Kind Challenge ideas. Sign up to get your free printable and get started!! I am SO excited about this, I really hope you will join me to help spread some happiness! 🙂
Hi Lauren,
This is such a nice post 😊 I love the idea of this challenge and can’t wait to participate!
I keep telling myself I need a break from social media. I’m just emotionally exhausted from the last week. I think this is a lovely challenge, though. Can you imagine if everyone just did even one small thing?
I also took a much needed break from social media. I love the idea of the challenge. As they say, kindness is contagious. This country is going in the wrong direction and we all need to do what we can to turn the hate and ugliness around. I plan on getting the whole family involved in the challenge. Thanks for sharing!
I love your blog, by the way. I have a small one that I started just for friends. I have received so much positive feedback that I am about to take it to the next level. Looking forward to sharing my story with a larger audience soon!
Excellent post !I absolutely love the idea of a “Be Kind” challenge! 🙂
This is such a great idea! There is so much e=ugliness out there right now and we need to combat it!
I love this idea so much! i am totally going to try to get in on this challenge:) We need more kindness.
YAY! I’ll subscribe! I am also writing a post this week about kindness, and have a plan for December. Maybe we can combine efforts?! Let’s chat tomorrow – so glad you took a break!
What an awesome idea Lauren! This is a challenge we all should participate in, especially now in the holiday season 🙂
This is such a good thing that a lot of us need to hear! Sometimes it can be hard to put the phone down but I like how you said it was he best thing! Thanks for the reminder and great message!
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What a beautiful challenge. I think this is exactly what we all need. especially after elections. You can never go wrong with love and kindness.
Omg just love this!!!! We definitely need more kindness in the world!!!
Last week was one of the hardest weeks I’ve faced. Social media was BRUTAL. I think it is amazing that you two logged off of social media and went up to Orlando! Your challenge is a wonderful one, especially at a time like these.
I love this idea and I want to take part! I think that making the world a better place starts by being kind and patient to the people you love. That’s something I’d like to work on! And I’d also like a social media break…great idea!
Although I do try to be kind everyday, this is such a great idea and an awesome reminder. Thanks!
I too took a break from social media after the election. I hated seeing everyone being so disrespectful to one another. I love that you are doing this challenge! Its a great way to remind you that through the bad comes good.
I love Dalai Lama quote. The world needs more kindness.
OH dear.. I really wish I could take a break from social media… it’s 1/3 of my business… but what I did do was do my social media, worked super hard NOT to get distracted and got the heck off… people… sooooo mean, what the heck. It’s sad.. we just need to remember… 8 years stunk for many of us and now we are looking for change… so if we could live after that, they can too. Both candidates were definitely not the best options but well, we CAN control ourselves and how we choose to react… so pull up our big girl panties (or underoos) and move the heck on… BTW… glad you had a great weekend, anniv and time with the kids.. much needed for sure, I’m sure!
This is so true. I’ve been also overwhelmed with all the hatred, rants, and negative posts about politics on social media and the news. I told my husband that we needed to stop watching the news because all the comments and reports are so negative. It definitely has an impact on people’s lives. We should all respect each other’s opinions and choice of candidate. We all want the best for our country and for our children’s lives. I’m joining you on the challenge. Thanks for this!