We live in a time when consumption justifies our existence. We don't exist unless we show our possessions and abilities. For a while, I was struggling to adjust to that idea, but not anymore.
There are times when life hits us hard, making us put things in a different order. Suddenly, what once seemed innovative and exciting, it's just not. When we become used to hitting a 'delete' key, taking a break or starting fresh shouldn't be difficult, but it actually is!
I started taking breaks from social media when I started focusing so much on techniques and style. Being on social media for nearly ten years, investing so much energy into that process, deleting my social media accounts, was liberating. No longer I have the need to show off, which is excellent!
Social media was making me exasperated. I began hating how I kept comparing myself to others, feeling rushed as in a hamster wheel. I discovered how striving to be creative was losing its luster. There were a dependency and a false sense of accomplishment I didn't like. I was not critical with what I was doing, and In fact, I felt I was adding to the noise.
Being off the social media grid leaves me with nothing to prove! I feel excited to get bored again and keeping a sketchbook. With boredom, I get a relaxed state of mind that prevents me from being envious or insecure about what I do. I get a new appreciation for daydreaming and building ideas on what I want and not on what's subject for approval.