Instagram Scrolling - Comparison or Inspiration?

On a recent five-day trip to Colorado, I found myself scrolling social media far more than I typically do.  Sitting in airports, snowed in and sub-zero temperatures are what I’m blaming my constant scrolling on.  Sure, a book would have been a better option, but I chose to scroll because it was an easy, mindless distraction.  What happened over 5 days of excessive scrolling, was I began to slip backwards.  Not all at once, but it was a gradual recognition of old behaviors emerging.

The number one problem I suffer from when excessively scrolling is comparison.  I begin to critique how many followers people have, their tech expertise, their content.  Hell, I can fall down the complete rabbit hole and compare physical appearances, clothing choices, homes, vacations, etc.  It is insidious, and it is real.  What happens to me when I go there?  My old patterns that I have laid to rest begin to resurface, like a stain bleeding through paint.  When I compare myself, vs accepting myself the “why bother” attitude appears.  Why bother eating healthy, it’s so much work?  Why not ingest a few more edibles to numb out, you deserve it?  Why not buy that outfit, even though you have a closet full of clothes you are not even wearing? 

There is a distinct difference between being inspired online, vs comparing yourself to others online.  When I watch reels of the monks walking for peace from TX to DC, I’m deeply touched.  When I witness someone finding their own voice and sharing from a place of raw honest emotion, I am inspired.  When content leaves me feeling like I want to try something new (a recipe, home improvement project, spell, tarot spread, energy healing) I can feel the energy rising within me.  I witness a smile spreading across my face.  Then I know I am using social media correctly, and in an intentional way for me. 

We are now astrologically in a time of faster moving energy, with Neptune and Santurn entering the sign of Aries.  If we are still operating in old paradigms, and outdated belief systems we will be dragging that energy rapidly forward.  We can choose a new way, but we must choose, or we risk having the choice made for us.  If you feel like you are in a bit of a time warp right now you are not alone.  The old is asking to be left to die, but leaving something behind is tricky (hence the scrolling and less than optimal habits resurfacing) and moving through the resistance takes time, grace and a deep belief that something better is waiting for you. The old kept you safe, so thank it and honor it as you let it go.  Not knowing quite yet what is on the horizon takes a belief in yourself, it takes strength and courage.  For me I believe the future holds freedom.  I choose freedom over fear. 

So today I start over, as I have done before and I will choose to use social media as a tool to inspire not to compare, critique or judge.  Today, when I choose to start over there is no shame or guilt, it’s just a clear choice to go this way, instead of that way.  I personally do not want to take my old habits that kept me safe on this next leg of this journey we call life.

So tonight, when my day is done, I look forward to checking in on Instagram to see where the monks are on their journey of peace, scoring a great new vegetarian or vegan recipe, an easy home improvement hack and some witchy wisdom.

I would love to hear how you use social media?  Have you kicked it to the curb?  Do you scroll too much?  Who do you follow that inspires you?