So...I Have to Admit

...I have recently been turned off to social media and most forms of networking via the Internet. 
And when I say recently, I mean the past year or more.

I see so much good (a tremendous amount of good) that comes from technology and the Internet.
But the amount of thoughtlessness, self-indulgence, misuse, judgments, and offense (whether intentional or not) that can be displayed through these vehicles have been enough to turn me away. 
I am so turned off by the unnecessary drama that can occur from carelessness and impulsiveness on the Internet.

I could go on about my reasons, but there's not really any point of that.
My decision was personal and what I felt was best for me - not what I think everyone should do - and so there's no good reason for me to list why I've been turned off by social media.

Husband has pretty bluntly told me to step down from my soapbox on this matter - which is wise - and so the bottom line is:

The good has not outweighed the bad for me. 
And so I have distanced myself.
And it was such a relief.

I found myself searching for other things I could eliminate from my life to create the same feeling.
We watch way less TV (hardly any DVR-ed shows - which for me is a big deal).
I am more selective about the music I listen to.
I try to surround myself with things that uplift me and try to eliminate things that are unnecessary.
It feels like a decluttering of my mind and my spirit.
And it feels awesome.

Now, don't get me wrong...
I'm really not trying to tell you how awesome I am, or that you should follow me in my quest to unplug myself.
I'm really not.

My point is simply to share and explain a little why I have been significantly more absent from my blog and from the internet in general.
Also, to share what a good experience this has been for me.
It has almost been empowering.

My other reason for writing about this, is lately I have been feeling drawn to blogging again.
And I have been fighting it.
My goal lately has been to simplify, declutter, and disconnect from the Internet.
Blogging doesn't really seem to support those goals.
But still, the thought keeps coming...keep blogging.

And then yesterday I read this quote by Elder Quentin L. Cook:
"My challenge is that we join with people of all faiths who feel accountable to God in defending religious freedom so it can be a beacon for morality.  We caution you to be civil and responsible as you defend religious liberty and moral values.  We ask that you do this on the Internet and in your personal interactions in the neighborhoods and communities where you live.  Be an active participant, not a silent observer."

Hmm.
Now, the context of this quote isn't specifically directed toward my issue.
In fact, it is regarding political involvement and restoring moral values in society and government. 
But for some reason, it felt very applicable to me and these thoughts I've been having about blogging and the Internet.
"We caution you to be civil and responsible"
"Be an active participant, not a silent observer."

So, my thought and my goal, on this little blog of mine in my small little corner of the Internet, is to share my moral values by writing about my experiences and thoughts as a wife, mother, and LDS woman.

I want to keep things positive and uplifting - because heaven knows there's enough filth and negativity floating around there in cyberspace.

I get nervous about being vocal, especially virtually, because really...who am I?
I worry about being offensive or misunderstood - things can so easily be misread and misunderstood.
And I worry about being judged.

But this is me trying to be "an active participant" for good, "not a silent observer."
Because life really is so good.


And now I will go and try not to take myself so seriously...  :)
Hope you all have a fantastic day.
And for those of you actually made it through this lengthy and verbose post - congratulations!
Now you can get on with your life :)