Facebook and its dark side!

I hold my hands up and admit, I am quite the social media junkie. I've the usual list of suspects bookmarked and in app version on my phone and IPad. Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Snapchat, Whats App, Viber etc. I use some for a real need and others tend to be more fun and a time waster.

But at the end of last year I began to fall out of love with Facebook. I have been on Facebook for many years and used it to message friends (especially those who live in other countries), share photos and keep up to date with the goings on as well as the usual Facebook stalking (information finding) - I am sure everyone does this!

Yes and yes... [Source]

I liked it, I liked the contact and would check it once in a while. Then when phones improved and IPads were here, it was accessible everywhere I went. Initially I liked this, the contact was great. This was especially useful during my time in Australia for keeping in contact with home. Then it slowly began to creep in to more of my time.

I forgot to refresh my news feed...oh no! [Source]

Facebook Messenger was than a stand alone app which I had. To be honest, this is where it began to go downhill. I was frustrated with the double notifications when getting messages. I disliked the ability to see who was online and when messages were being read. I'm all for finding out information but it just seemed very intrusive. 

I was mainly using Messenger to keep in contact with a good friend over in Canada and when he got Viber, we used it less. So the initial culling came with Messenger. Over time, I began to get bored with Facebook. It happened slowly but once I noticed it, I began to notice it time and again. The turning point was when I was off work unwell. I was using it as a time waster, checking my phone all the time. I was refreshing my news feed and not even looking at it. 

I also began to get annoyed with the negativity of people's status' and the opposite, the complete unnecessary posts e.g. "Enjoying a romantic meal - at my cosy home" Umm, enjoy it then and stay away from Facebook.

Just don't... [Source]

So as this began to build I realised I was not using it for any great reason and that I didn't really need to have it to be connected. Before New Year, I deactivated my account. I debated it and wondered if I even needed to deactivate. Couldn't I not just log out? But I didn't trust myself, honestly, and I am sure many will agree, the whole thing is addictive. So I went with the decision to deactivate. I didn't think I was strong enough to just 'not log in'. With the deactivation came the deletion of apps. 

The first week was tricky, I found myself picking up my phone to check it when I was bored or had time on my hands. I saw my friend logged in and was like... Oh my goodness! I have not seen the news feed in what feels like so long! I also had a couple of friends and family asking what had happened and was I ok as I was off Facebook. Crazy isn't it? The deactivation of a social media tool is enough to make people think there was something wrong with me. Like seriously wrong.

We can all sort friends into this list [Source]

To quote a favourite blogger of mine - Sarah at Venus Trapped - "Nothing good comes from Facebook." This I agree with, it can be fun but nothing good comes from it. Since my deactivation, I have had a number of people say, "Don't come back," or "I wish I could stay off it." I have to say, I don't really miss it right now, I have other things to focus on and I don't need it. I can't say I will be away forever but for this moment in time, when it's important to focus on myself, I am happy to be away from the dark side of Facebook!

Have you ever had a Facebook break? What do you think of Facebook?

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When you need a pick me up...

When you're having a down day, how do you pick yourself up? My down days are becoming less but when they come I still struggle with them. I now accept them and just go along with the day but I have developed a variety of things to make me feel better and pick me up a little. 

1: TV Time
I get myself wrapped up on the sofa, with a chamomile tea and find something to watch. Since having time on my hands lately, I have watched a number of different series - Son's of Anarchy, The Walking Dead, Life Unexpected and Breaking Bad. I have loved them all, I like becoming immersed in the show and it keeps my mind focused. I picked a pretty good set of shows to watch didn't I?

Who wouldn't want to watch this man? [Source]

2: Seeing friends
Having not been up to going out as much as usual, I have a couple close friends who have been my rocks during this time. Whether it's a pizza night, day trip to feed reindeers or just being on the other side of the phone for silly texts. Being able to be honest with people is not easy for me but these people are those I can be truthfully honest with, I can be myself with and don't mind being with me when I'm having a 'down day'. They're pretty special and can pick me up. 

I am lucky to have friends to be crazy with GG style! [Source]

3: Treats
It seems a little superficial but a treat perks me up no doubt. Whether it be chocolaty treats, a new canvas or DVD set. It brightens my day, and puts a little smile on my face. Especially if it's a chocolate treat. Chocolate is the way to my heart more times than not!

I want ALL the candy! [Source]

4: Quiet time
When I am not feeling at my best, I like to turn off all sound and just lay in quiet. Sometimes I nap, but most often I just lie and take a time out. Just having quietness is nice. It let's me sort my thoughts. 

Who am I kidding? I mostly sleep...

5: Working Out
I am back to pole classes after a shoulder injury and I am enjoying it. While I'm working, I focus so much on the moves that my mind is clear. Not only do I get to tone up but I get to feel like I have achieved something when I get my new moves. The classes make me feel good about myself. 

Look at me go!

As it has been difficult to actually find the happiness lately, I have had to focus on the small things and enjoy them. 

What little things have been making you feel better lately?

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Show me how big your brave is!

Lately it seems as though my brave has had to be VERY big! Through personal problems, phasing back to work and general medication switches, my life has been pretty rough.

Last week I needed to have a meeting in school with HR. They have not been helpful at all and the thought of meeting was pretty stressful. After 3 weeks of cancellations (on their part) I finally made it on Friday. Prior to the meeting, I met with a Teaching Union member for support with legal rights etc. HR wanted me back to work after 4 weeks but nothing states the time frame. My doctor is in clear consultation and is advising my return.

[Source]

The school is fine with that but HR had other thoughts. After meeting with my Union, I was happy enough that I was right in my thoughts. I gained a copy of the Absence Guidelines and picked up my highlighter and went to work. If there is something which will give me a kick up the ass, it is something which is wrong. I looked through the document, highlighted and made notes. I was prepared for the meeting.

The day of the meeting, I felt so nervous and prepared myself for the worst. I am not exactly feeling at my best right now so this was something I was not looking forward to. But I dressed up and I showed up.

Alongside my Headteacher and Union Rep I went to the meeting and listened to HR. I was right, she was not the most friendliest of women (she didn't smile the entire time) and was pretty adamant that I be back full time straight away. Instead of sitting back, I stepped up and showed my brave!

[Source]

I discussed the notes I had made and also quoted the guidelines (set by her Local Authority) which disproved what she was saying. I also stated the facts that the school had not followed set guidelines for my initial absence and therefore subsequent phase return. Needless to say, this stunned her. She was definitely surprised that I had prepared and was taken aback. So how many weeks phase was I wanting? 8. That is all. 8. I am currently at 4 full days a week so I am not exactly 'slacking off'.

The outcome of the meeting was that she agreed to support the school and me with the 8 week phase back which made me extremely happy. I left the meeting feeling happy and proud that I had stood up for myself and put my health forts - something which I have not done recently.

[Source]

It's pretty nice feeling brave and that you have stepped up to the issue instead of taking the easy way out and shrinking back. Small steps I am told but this, this was a pretty big one. Oh, and it also felt nice to win!

Have you had a 'big brave' moment lately?

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As you can all see, I have a new blog design which I am pretty stoked about! It has been a while since I've had a change around here and I think it's pretty nice. All thanks to my BFF - DigitalDegu !

Also, more happiness, I was selected as Blogger of the Week by Female Blogger RT for my post:

When being real, isn't real enough - Aerie takes a stand!

Follow Female Blogger RT on Twitter for a chance to be Blogger of the Week. All you need to do is head to Female Blogger RT to get their button for your blog and tweet them in your blog post tweets. They will then retweet your post to all their followers! Simple!
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Eat Good! Feel Good! Things have slowed down...

First off - Happy Sunday! I hope you like my new blog design changes! I am so happy to see things having a change around. 

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Again, this week has been a bit slow with the whole healthy eating again. I have adjusted well to new medication which is a positive. After a couple of 'off' days I have picked up again, which is great too! So, how has my week been?

* I am still eating salads for lunch but I have found some days I can't finish much and I don't eat much more. I can tell I am back at work.
* I have done well with exercise, I managed three pole sessions this week. I even got a new move I have been working on for some time as well! 
* I have ate at my parent's a few nights this week which was nice. I ate healthy with chicken, pork and vegetables over the few nights. 
* I have been let down with my snacking unfortunately. I have been into chocolate after work alot. Oops. So that is something I need to cut back on next week.
*I had some alcohol at the weekend so I had coke and sprite! Fizzy drinks!! It has been a long time but it was a nice treat. 
*Other than that I have stuck with camomile the majority of the week with a daily green tea.

[Source]

So next week I want to work on my snacking and I hope to cut it down a little more. I am increasing work to 4 days next week so I am sure tiredness will be a factor to overcome. Time will tell. I can say I am finding my stomach becoming less bloated which is fantastic!

Link up any healthy posts from today or the week gone by and we can keep supporting one another!

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How has your week been?

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All about me!

Today I am sharing an old post - all about me!
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Even though I blog anonymously, I still like to try and share as much of myself and my life that I can with you all. So, with that in mind here is a list of 10 facts about me:

1: I am somewhat OCD and have routines for putting my make up on to eating certain food items.
2: I often dance in the kitchen when waiting for the kettle to boil.
3: Whiskey makes me insane...but I drink it anyway- thank you NYC!
4: I like to be alone but know that others are close if I want them.
5: I am scared of crumpets and the underside of mushrooms. 
6: I use Google to find out how to spell words.
7: I use ! after every sentence in texts. 
8: If I hear a noise in the night, I don't open my eyes in case I see a ghost.
9: I am easily addicted to things but lose interest extremely fast due to my short concentration span.
10: I have conversations with myself and pretend conversations with others in my head. A lot. 

Be you ... always.

There are many more but I thought I'd try share the least crazy things about me for now as not to scare away any new readers. But it's a little bit of me to help you understand me more.

What about you?



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