A 12 Step approach to disengaging from most Social Media.

Pic: Public Domains

As is my routine on Sundays, I am attempting to write this Human Condition story for the Baton Rouge Advocate Paper on my laptop.

On Thursday, 11/12/2020, I deleted my accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

And I recall last week at this time that I would have already checked my Facebook Status, Instagram and other social media at least a few times on my phone just to stay connected to things, right?

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, I must admit what Plato attributed to Socrates many moons ago: “Know Thyself!”

I have a Social Media addiction, which also ties in also with my “histrionic” tendencies to attention seeking, where one can constantly portray oneself instantly online – even if I was promoting great activities and non-profits that I'm involved with and love to help!

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 “SMA” (Social Media Anonymous) Support Group!

With Advent & New Year's coming up soon, it is time to make some practical resolutions, here's my 12 Step Plan:

1. Social Media Fast – Continue with the Deletion of my FB, Instagram and Twitter accounts.

2. Spend that SM 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 St. Vincent de Paul, so greatly promotes with the homeless!

8. “Start where the person is,” as Pope Francis has so greatly shown us!

9. Follow the example of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta 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. Keep humor daily by reading (and contributing to) Smiley Anders in the Advocate the first thing every morning after prayers and meditation.

Keith John Paul Horcasitas, 1133 Knollhaven Drive, BRLA 70810, 225-715-3870, THANKSGIVING, November 26, 2020.