A humorous but real approach to cutting back on social media, like Facebook, to spend more time in quiet, prayer and direct face-to-face contact with others.
Okay, I admit it!
As I am attempting to write this Human Condition story for the Baton Rouge Advocate Paper on my laptop, I have already checked my Facebook Status a few times on my phone just to stay connected to things, right? Get real, Keith …!
As one of my Social Work Colleagues, Jan, LCSW, once wisely noted: “Da Nile” (DENIAL) is not a river in Egypt!”
Okay, I admit it. While I certainly have some strong OCD tendencies (Hey, if they didn't have a few of us around, nothing would ever get done on time!), I must admit what Plato attributed to Socrates many moons ago: “Know Thyself!”
I do have a FB addiction, which also ties in also with my “histrionic” tendencies to attention seeking, where one can constantly portray drama instantly online!
Since I have facilitated as a clinician for many support groups in the past for others, such as AA, Alzheimer's, Cancer, Diabetes, Infant Loss, Parkinson's, Stroke, etc., it is time for me to start an “FA” Support Group: Facebook Anonymous!
With New Year's coming up and time to make resolutions, here's my 12 Step plan:
1. FBF – Face Book Fast; on 01/01/2016; Close out my FB account.
2. Spend that FB surfing time in service to the needy and the poor – sometimes, right in my own family.
3. Write more hand-written letters.
4. Phone call family and friends, and leave a verbal message of love for them if that is available.
5. Only use my Cell Phone for Calls and texting (Not while driving!) when needed – okay, and also for Googling things, Maps, etc.
6. Only use my laptop for personal needs twice a day – in the morning after prayers and in the evening before prayers.
7. Look for the “Face-book of Christ” in everyone, as Michael Acaldo, CEO of SVDP ,so greatly promotes with the homeless!
8. “Start where the person is,” as Pope Francis has so greatly shown us in this “Year of Mercy!”
9. Follow the example of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta - who will be canonized later this year - in reaching out to all in need.
10. Daily make an examination of conscience to find ways to amend for my mistakes, and to ask forgiveness from God and others and using “the Golden Tool:” The Golden Rule!
11. Weekly, and more often when possible, attend to Church Services.
12. Read (and contribute to) Smiley Anders in the Advocate the first thing every morning after prayers and meditation (I already do that!).
Happy New Years, and BFFWFB (Best Friends Forever Without Facebook!!)
Keith John Paul Horcasitas, LCSW, MHA, 1133 Knollhaven Drive, BRLA 70810, khorcasitas.yahoo.com, December 27, 2015.
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While I was told to get a CB radio by my father, I declined, relying on maps and my good judgment to keep me from being lost or in trouble, "out there." Likewise, with cell phone when they came along. I have always found the computer versatile and essential, while gadgets of company computers to be time wasters.
The first social network I joined was Authors' Den. Then, I joined NextCat (it went nowhere). I smelled a rat with Facebook, never had a desire to Tweet or Text, Insta Gram or other friendship or instant gratification occupiers.
Your advice to "call friends and relatives" (or visit physically) is priceless.
Ron