SUNSET LOVE
If you would have asked me a few weeks ago to list my favorite things in the world, sunset would have been near the top of that list. Now, I’m not so sure.
One of my favorite past times since “stories” became a thing on social media was to post sunset shots from my back deck. We do have a particularly spectacular view of the western skies from that point. And the fact that we are lucky enough to live on a hill in the flattest state in the US doesn’t hurt.
I’m keenly aware of what time the sun sets all year round. As the time nears for the daily solar ball drop, I keep my eye out for perfect moment. Dramatic lighting and colors are key, so are added elements like puffy clouds or the occasional storm in the distance.
At the appointed time, I step out onto the deck, take a few shots to make sure I get the perfect angle, then head back inside. Next I review the shots, choose the best one, and upload it to my stories, usually adding the current temperature graphic (for my friends up north 😊) before I click “post”.
I watch the spinning circle as it uploads, then admire the final product as it officially becomes part of my online presence for the next 24 hours.
SUNSET INTERRUPTED
Last week, as I was walking through the living room, I caught a glimpse of a beauty. Darkened foreground, fire at the horizon, shades of gold and orange melting into the deep blue sky.
My first thought was to grab my phone to get a quick pic, but then I stopped in my tracks and felt incredibly disappointed. There was no point in taking a sunset photo because I couldn’t share it.
You see, I recently decided to take a break from social media. Not forever, just a few weeks. And honestly, it was much easier than expected. I didn’t really miss it at all and didn’t find myself with a burning desire to share anything.
Until the sunset photo.
I really wanted to share it and I tried to come up with a loophole that would allow me to share on social media without actually being ON social media (Canva anyone?). I thought about taking a photo anyway, just for myself, but both of those options sounded so lame and unsatisfying.
So, I sat inside, positioning myself where I couldn’t see the sunset at all. It was still there, in all its glory, just begging to be watched, but my heart wasn’t in it.
SUNSET CRISIS
As I sat there NOT watching the sunset, I started questioning myself.
“Do you REALLY love sunsets or do you just REALLY love posting photos of sunsets?”
“Did you even take photos of sunsets before social media?”
“Why can’t you just enjoy a sunset without documenting it?”
“What satisfaction do you get from posting sunset photos?”
“If the sun sets and nobody takes a photo, did it really happen?” (a little philosophical humor there)
When I thought about it, I’ve always loved sunsets (and sunrises too!), but I got into the habit of posting sunset shots when I started getting likes and comments on those type of posts. Each like and comment provided a little dopamine hit that boosted my ego and kept me coming back for more.
I shared a little glimpse of my life and it resonated with people. They could imagine themselves sitting on my back deck with a cool drink and a comfy chair. Living the good life as the day wound to an end and the sun dropped lower and lower. Setting the stage for its unwavering, yet everchanging, evening performance.
Somehow in the midst of providing that sneak peek for others, I lost my original WHY for taking the photos in the first place. My awe of the majesty and beauty. The sense of calm that came over me as day came to a close. The gratitude I felt for the view and my vantage point. My excitement of spying and capturing “the perfect shot”.
Basically, in my quest to share my joy with others, I lost track of MY joy.
SUN SETTING
As I sit here writing this, sunset is about an hour away. I’m not even sure if we will have a visible sunset this evening as it’s been an unseasonably cloudy day. But I will watch for the sunset anyway.
Perched on the top step of the deck, I will feel the wood beneath my bare feet. I will feel the humid breeze whisper across my arms and around my neck. I will watch for that magic moment when the sun dips below the thick clouds and slips swiftly and silently into the western horizon.
This is my sunset and I’m going to soak it in until the last bit of light fades into the approaching darkness.
And then I’ll simply walk inside with my heart, spirit and mind glowing with the memory.
How about you? Have you lost a simple joy in your life in your quest to document and share on social media? Or maybe your scrolling habit is keeping you disconnected from real live people.
If you’d like to change your relationship with social media, I’d love to help. Email me using the button below and let’s talk about it.