Scraping Glass

Scraping Glass

They scrape it while they walk, they scrape it while they talk.

They scrape it on the road, they scrape it while on hold.

They scrape it while their kids are conversing, while they play and while they’re rehearsing.

They scrape it while avoiding eye contact, and anti-socially, when they don’t know how to act.

They scrape it when they should be sleeping, they scrape it just to do some creeping.

They scrape it hours on end, scraping with their new scraping “friend”.

They scrape it on average, one quarter of a day. They scrape it because its just the “new way.”

They scrape away the precious minutes, missing out on this beautiful life and all that is in it.

What if I told you that I used to spend my days scraping a piece of glass repeatedly whilst life spun around me? What if I told you that you likely do it too? What if I challenged you to put your “smart” phone away for 12, 24, 48 hours? Does just reading that make you nervous? Do you feel anxious even thinking about turning that power button off? I get it, I’ve been there. But let’s explore why you may be feeling like that, shall we?

In the morning, the majority of adults stumble to the coffee pot on a quest for that java-flavored jolt. We do it for a pick-me-up, but also because it is what we are accustomed to. If you have been living under a rock and are unaware that caffeine is addicting, bless your heart. We do things routinely without even thinking because it is habitual. Our body starts “needing” a substance so badly that our mind deems it necessary and we do whatever it takes to satisfy that craving. Sadly, drugs, alcohol and sugar addictions work in much the same way as caffeine. As does something you’ve likely never thought of… SCROLLING!!!

Social media, instant internet, access to literally everything and everyone. Sure it seems necessary, but did you know that increased levels of anxiety, depression, insomnia and even car wrecks have been directly linked to cell phone usage? That chunk of glass in your hand is not serving you. You are serving it. YOU are “working” your life away scraping melted sand!!! And what is worse, our bodies are working overtime trying to keep up with the Dopamine bursts. Each time we make a successful social interaction, have sex, have a good workout or eat a bite of really yummy food, our body releases a neurotransmitter called Dopamine. It is that temporary “feel-good” feeling you get when someone subscribes, or comments or gives a “thumbs-up” to that post you wrote in the wee hours of the morning.

Doesn’t sound too detrimental right? It’s just a happy effect after you get a new message notification, right? Wrong. So wrong. And its not just you, or “them.” It is US, collectively. We spend so much time swiping and scrolling and liking, our body starts to forget what a normal dopamine level is. In a constant state of “high” we can’t sleep, our eyes cross with strain, and we keep hitting that refresh button or opening that app for more and more input. But over time, stores deplete and the body cant keep up. And a dopamine imbalance wreaks havoc on us. Depression, anxiety and Parkinson’s disease along with fatigue, lack of focus, and suicidal thoughts are just a handful of the effects.

It is time we wake up, LOOK UP, and stop scrolling… you’re literally and figuratively wasting your life.

On a more positive note, because Lordy this article (and this topic) needs it… Tardiness doesn’t count when fighting an addiction. You can start right now. Take one day at a time. Ask friends and family around you to hold you accountable. Let them honestly and lovingly share with you how truly entwined you are with that “social” device sucking the joy out of your days. Will it make you different? Sure it will! Will it make your life matter more? Oh most definitely. The Bible tells us in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Know that you’re not alone. Know that nearly everyone is going through this. Know that you CAN overcome addiction if you want to.

Look for part two of this post soon… where I share my journey of ditching the “dopamine-delight” device and switching to one with much more freedom.