How I broke my addiction to Facebook
IT MIGHT have been the angel that did it. Or perhaps the pile of handwritten readers’ letters and cards it was among — all speaking directly to me with problems and thoughts and good wishes.
But one day I realised that if I was to continue being true to the kind person they addressed, I had to give up a totally addictive habit that made me mean. I’m talking about Facebook.
It was a frosty day when I started on the package forwarded by our lovely Edwina in the office. Warm wishes dating back to Christmas touched me deeply, especially the little card which said: ‘Thank you for your column, hope you enjoy this angel.’
No name. The little bead charm sat in my palm, meant (I know) to bring me luck. I’d been engaged with my habitual pointless activity of obsessively checking Facebook and squabbling with bitter, ‘woke’ folk who seem to hate what I hold dear — like our country and Monarchy. Angry, I posted something unkind (so easy to do) which I deleted immediately. But I felt sorry — and tarnished by it all.
And there was that anonymous reader’s sweet little gift in my hand, twinkling and telling me to stop — for the sake of my soul. The point is, I’m forever telling you that you can take control of your own lives, yet there I was, in the grip of a stupid fixation. I’ve never been addicted to anything before, so it had to stop.
So far, it’s more than two weeks — and I have more time to enjoy life peacefully, without forever feeling I have to post a comment or a photograph online. Such a release!
The angel (thank you, dear reader) is now pinned to my headboard and February is the time for planting seeds. I’m so grateful for this seed of independence and hope you might try it, too.
Bel answers questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Scottish Daily Mail, 20 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 6DB, or email bel. mooney@dailymail.co.uk. Names are changed to protect identities. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.