I stepped away from a certain platform a few months ago.
When I came back, it was only to post and dip. No scrolling. No browsing. Just in and out.
But one day, I scrolled.
And it all came rushing back—why I stopped in the first place. The endless hiding, muting, blocking. Telling the algorithm what I didn’t want to see took more energy than the platform gave me in return.
That was my confirmation.
There’s nothing like real life.
This weekend, a friend sent me a DM. And I knew immediately this wasn’t something I could respond to with a quick message. This required a call. A FaceTime. I needed to see her. And she needed to see me.
That call blessed both of us.
Because we weren’t meant to do life alone.
There’s something sacred about being in the presence of someone who understands you. Who doesn’t need you to show up polished or with every sentence perfectly formed. I was able to be my full self, including the menopausal woman who sometimes forgets her words. There was no judgment. Just love and undivided attention.
I know social media has its place. I know for many, it is the way we stay connected.
But if you have the chance to step away from the noise, even just for a little while, I highly recommend it.
Because here’s the truth:
Most of the platforms we engage with daily—the ones vying for our time and attention—aren’t trying to nourish us. They’re trying to separate us from our money.
And not even for the things we need.
But for the things we’ve been conditioned to want.
The scroll is designed to keep us in a cycle of desire, discontent, and distraction.
And before we know it, hours are gone. Energy is drained. And we’re still hungry for connection, for peace, for something real.
More time with your feet in the earth.
More time with people who see you clearly.
More creating.
More stillness.
More life.
For me, that looks like bread. Soap. Film. Story. Photographs. Pottery made from backyard clay.
Whatever it looks like for you, make room for it.
Consume less. Live more.
Lisa N. Alexander is the author and founder of This Woman Knows and What Million-Dollar Brands Know. She is an award-winning filmmaker, director, producer, and writer and is the owner of PrettyWork Creative.
