Selective sharing

Last month I went to hospital to have a colonoscopy. I haven’t mentioned it online but in a nutshell, I hadn’t been feeling great and went for a check up at the beginning of September.

The procedure went smoothly and all is fine - the Surgeon confirmed there is nothing to worry about. Being aware that it isn’t something serious has been a relief!

In a world where it seems everything needs to be shared online, I opted to go through something personal without advertising it. No selfies in a hospital gown, no stories with minute by minute details, no post-anesthetic photos. I didn’t even take my phone with me after being admitted. Just got undressed and into the hospital underwear and gown and waited to be wheeled into the theatre. With no phone to distract me I was actually extremely mindful and felt very calm.

Selective sharing isn’t for everyone - but as an introvert I’m finding this option to be extremely appealing. I’m spending less time online so that I can prioritise mindfulness. I’m choosing to be ‘in the moment’ instead of constantly recording it through my phone.

It has been a wake up call I didn’t know I needed.

A fresh reminder of what life was like pre-social media. Before every event and emotion felt like it had to be captured and then curated. When a moment could be enjoyed rather than preserved with the perfect filter and artistic angle.

Perhaps I’m needing a digital detox or maybe I’m realising something essential (for myself).

Can you remember a time when you could simply soak something up instead of feeling the need to snap and share?

xx