PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN

"I need a break."

I have to say, I have been finding the internet to be exceptionally entertaining and funny lately. I'm always cracking up at someone's Instagram post, a meme on Facebook, or some random footage from Twitter. But then, there's the negativity, which is extremely draining.

Y'all, I don't care how bad things get in my life, please, please, please, don't let me get on the internet arguing with people that don't have a profile picture and misspelling stuff trying to send a subliminal message to my man. Just... take my phone... okay?

Photo: Stephen Nitz

When I broke up with my last boyfriend, which was in the year 1802, I purposely took a short break from social media. I was upset and when I'm upset, like most folk, I have a tendency to make that apparent. I'd found myself clapping back at someone on social media once before and I was like "Britney girl, what you doin'? Ain't that why you got a blog?"

Ya know, sometimes, your private life turns into some beautiful art, or hell at least a funny story to tell.

When I first started my blog, sure, I had my career in mind, but it was more of a release for myself. I'm often working out my problems and giving myself advice for the first time as I write these posts. Overtime, I noticed that my blog started to become more of a chore instead of a safe place for me to express myself. I looked at it as one of my tickets to success and if I didn't do it, I was cheating myself or I wasn't doing enough to work towards my dreams.

After a while, this is how I started to treat social media. As an artist in 2018, you're constantly watching people's career come off of the ground just from having a heavy social media presence. So, you kind of feel unaccomplished if you're not posting. I mean, I'm already not having any luck with auditions, so my only way up is myself, right?

Look, the moral of the story is, it's okay to put your phone down. Lately, I've been making a conscious effort to separate myself from my phone. I mean, I've been distracted by my phone at least 201 times while writing this post, which is a shame. But here's how I see it: 1. That text/ call can wait, they make you wait when they are busy. 2. Try leaving your phone in another room for a few hours, that's been helping me lately.

I get it. It's easy to get caught up. But, cut yourself some slack. If the internet is on your nerves, only get on there when you have to post your art and then leave. Keep your craft fun! When it starts to feel like a chore, step away and come back with fresh ideas. When you're out with friends, put it in your pocket. Really engage with the present. Even if you're watching your favorite show. Even if you're staring into space and just thinking. Every idle moment does not have to be filled with scrolling.

I mean, unless you scrolling Aintbritfunny.com. I'll allow it.

-BRIT