Friday, March 2, 2012

Breaking up with Facebook

Remember the 2000 movie Castaway?  Tom Hanks plays a FedEx employee stranded on a deserted island after his plane crashes in the South Pacific. 
Shari's little face made of cherry pits and a stem on a napkin.
Seeing this little "face" on a napkin in Shari's kitchen in Miami Beach last week reminded us both of Wilson, Hank's silent companion in the film- a volleyball with his bloodied handprint as a face on the ball.

Wilson, from Castaway
Hanks' character survived his ordeal through tenacity, strength, and the grace of God. His old life was no longer available to him upon his return to civilization, and we see him at a crossroads, literally and figuratively at the end of the movie.

Now as a two time breast cancer survivor I know that I, too am at a crossroads.  Different situation, different issues, but one thing I know for sure is that I need to minimize stress.

And Facebook I have come to realize for me, is not only an obvious time suck, but a stresser.  So I am taking a break for 90 days.  A trial separation if you will.  I don't want to think about if I posted, or if I did post was it LIKED or followed or anything else like that. I want to be present, to be healthy, to make art and just BE. (right Donna?!)

I plan on continuing to blog. And hope that you will comment below (just click on the word comment and a window will pop up), or email me... or call. I love a conversation- even if its online, but like Wilson who drifts out to sea from Hank; sometimes you got to let go of what isn't real... and continue searching for, what is. It's a matter of survival.

13 comments:

Evelyn said...

I love you, nanci!

Dora Ficher said...

Nancy, good for you! You need to do what feels good to YOU! And...if facebook stresses you out then a bye, bye for now is a good thing. As you said on your last email...we need to get together in Philly. Let me know...you can email me.
Take care!
Happy weekend!

sharon said...

Totally understandable! Love you!

mmz said...

Your peace of mind is what is most important. Taking a break from all sorts of stressors in life can make the journey so much more manageable. As you can imagine, FB and all it has to offer and harass will still be here when you decide what to do next. And always remember, that FB has never been a source for the true connections in life. A letter, a phone call, quiet time with a memory, or a story told to a friend can strengthen a bond much better, in my opinion, than a quick note on FB. Enjoy your break. Sending hugs,
Margaret Z
Founder, Reading For Reassurance

Sleepyguy said...

Those look like good reasons to me, but I will miss seeing your posts. Will your blog posts still be pushed to Facebook? I remain on Facebook because it remains the most common currency among my friends, but I can't say I really love it much.

stinkycatbutt said...

good luck with your breakup. i did a similar break a while back and it was really good for my head. peace and love to you, looking forward to reading your blog.

stinkycatbutt said...

good luck with your breakup. i did a similar break a while back and it was really good for my head. peace and love to you, looking forward to reading your blog.

stinkycatbutt said...

good luck with your breakup. i did a similar break a while back and it was really good for my head. peace and love to you, looking forward to reading your blog.

stacy said...

good for you nancy! facebook should be fun and relaxing. if it's not, then definitely take the break. i'll miss you but keep you in my thoughts! relax, relax, relax...........

Nan Johnson said...

Congrats on your breakup with Facebook. Yes, it can be a time stealer & also so addictive. I have known other artists who have taken breaks from it as well. Your blog post comes at an interesting time for me, as I've been toying with setting up a Facebook business page for my art. In fact, it is set up, but I haven't made it public. I can not decide if I have the extra time for it, and I am just not sure if Facebook will work for me. Your post has me thinking (& re thinking). Thank you!

Nanci Hersh said...

@Evelyn- your love & support is always appreciated, and reciprocated.
@Dora- let me know if there are any shows you want to see in PHilly in a couple of weeks and we can compare notes.
@Sharon- Thanks Shari, so glad that you understand and I know you will check this blog for any updates, plus these posts will still go to FB, love you too!
@Margaret- So true, and I will get around to posting about our conversation... you are inspiring and I want to share that with others. All in time. xo
@Sleepyguy- yes, my posts will still go to FB, thanks for commenting. And yes FB is a way that I have connected with so many, figure I will return after 90 days but hopefully with a new approach or outlook. Until then... blog on!
@Stinky- thanks for your words of encouragement and support. I will continue to blog and look forward to your comments.
@Stacy- sometimes when things are supposed to be fun, they are not- so time to reassess. See you on the fields!
@Nan-I have gone back and forth myself for some time. A week away from it last week convinced me. In 90 days I will rethink it. Until then I will continue to blog and that will go to my FB artist Page-
http://www.facebook.com/NanciHersh.Artist, I will visit your blog and we can keep each other posted!
Thank you for commenting.

Kathryn said...

Good thinking, Nanci! That's why I gave up the blog and I continue to be glad I did.\

Nanci Hersh said...

Glad to hear no regrets Kathryn... not only "I would rather be in the studio" I'd rather have less shoulds.

Hope to skype sooN!