I’ve seen articles about social detoxes, digital sabbaticals, and other experiments that people undertake to curtail their use of social media, especially facebook. They will write about how they went a year without it, how great it was, and now that they have re-entered the digital world, it is like water in the dessert quenching their thirst. Most people consider these detoxes and experiments as novelty, simply to return to their online obsession after the blackout period has concluded.

It’s now been two years since I deleted my facebook account, and I still say that it is the best decision I have ever made in my life. I am exponentially happier without facebook  in my life. I have real conversations with the people around me and actually enjoy moments as I experience them.

In fact, I never even think about facebook unless someone around me brings it up. The challenging part is that it is used at work and I have absolutely no desire to have any part of it. There are people around me who are constantly taking pictures or saying post that, and I laugh inside, because I don’t really care. I am so glad that social media no longer rules my life and I don’t think like that.

I have heard people say they buy things on facebook. I would rather go to a store, and if all else fails, Amazon. For me, facebook is way too sketchy to even think about buying anything on there. I have heard other people talk about applying for jobs on facebook. As a former human resource professional, I cringe at this. There’s a reason why social media is called social media – there’s nothing professional about it.

After two years, I am happier not being ruled by my phone or the Internet. Sure, I see the Internet – twice a month at the library. I spend my workday at a computer. The last thing I want to do when I am home is be in front of a computer some more. That is far from relaxing to me. I would rather spend time with my family than ignore them by sitting in front of a screen (which is what I did all day anyway).

I am still fully communicating with people by phone, text message, in-person, and by US postal mail. It’s great. I’m maintaining all the really important relationships in my life. The best part about a life without facebook is that when I spend time with someone, they really get my full attention.

I have been running full steam ahead for about 20 years, so it is nice to have a break and actually enjoy the moments of my life. I know some people have the need to be constantly “on” and connected. I’ve lived that life, and it burned me out to the point of no return.

It’s been so long since I’ve been on facebook that I cannot even imagine wanting it back in my life. There is no reason. All my memories of my facebook years are full of drama and stress.

So, I don’t have that much to say, other than completely breaking up with facebook is not only possible, but also glorious. The only reason why I thought to write this post is because people at work talk about facebook all the time. On the inside, I laugh like I know something they don’t. Maybe I do. Without facebook, I’m finally happy.