Tati's Talk/ Thoughts on "Social Media Fast"

I participated in the challenge Pres. Nelson extended...twice. 

A few months ago he challenged the youth of the church to take a break from it, and I had a desire to follow it as well. I was so impressed by how different I felt that I seriously contemplated if I should get back on social media at all.

Then this past General Conference, Pres. Nelson challenged the women of the church to do this as well. I was eager to do it again as I reflected on how good it felt the last time I had done it. This particular time it wasn't as hard for me to refrain from getting on social media. The first time I took the fast, I found myself mindlessly trying to click on the app where it used to be on my phone. It's crazy how that happens. 

Having a social media fast has helped me realize several things:

1. I feel liberated. Literally free from the cares of the world. I am more focused on ME and MY family. I literally feel happier. Not only has this made a difference with myself, but it's made all the difference in our home. (Because we all know that when Mom is happy, EVERYONE is happy).
2. I found that the things I "used to not have time for," suddenly became more important. I can't imagine, and I dont want to even think, about how much time I used to waste scrolling through my social media newsfeeds. Amazingly, I found time to really diligently read and search the scriptures. It's not uncommon for me to study for 30-45 minutes on scriptures alone each day. I understand them more fully, and I have received inspiration and revelation through this.
3. Because my mind has been less cluttered, I've also noticed how much more in tune with the Spirit I am. Several times I have felt prompted to text a fellow sister in the ward, or go to a neighbor's home to check on her and her family, and even be guided by how to respond/react to issues within my own family. The noise and distractions from social media had become so loud for me that I had not realized how little I was able to really hear and heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
4. My testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has strengthened. I know who I am, where I am going, and I understand what my purpose is here on earth. My testimony of our prophet has increased. I know he speaks with a loving Heavenly Father who sees the dangers of certain things in our day, and knows how to help us. 
5. I've learned what is truly important in life, and I have a strong desire to continue following along His covenant path in bringing to pass his glorious work on earth. My desire to attend the temple has increased, and I have had the opportunity to go more in the last year than I have ever before. 
6. I know that Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, love ME. I have a strong desire to be obedient to all of God's commandments and follow Him.

This challenge may not seem like it would do much for some. In fact, I heard of a lot of backlash from women thinking it was a way to try to "quiet the women's voice." Oh how wrong they are, and how sad I feel for them. As women, we have a divine role to accomplish while here on earth, and we won't be able to do it if we are distracted by all the "noise" from social media, and don't heed the prophet's warnings and counsel. I am thankful for this challenge and for the way it has helped me to grow spiritually.