Last year on this very date, I woke up to a devastating realization – my personal and Lovely Chicas social media accounts had been hacked. It was a heart-wrenching experience to witness over 15 years of hard work vanish into thin air, and despite my best efforts, I was unable to recover any of it. My social media presence had become a significant source of income for me, with numerous brand deals and contracts on the verge of being signed.
In the midst of the anguish and despair, a glimmer of hope emerged within me. I firmly believed that everything would eventually be alright because I had faith in God’s control over my life. Throughout my journey, I have always been fiercely independent and self-made. Nothing has ever been handed to me on a silver platter. I have poured my heart and soul into my work, often succumbing to the pressures of social media and striving to meet its ever-increasing demands.
Unplugging from social media for a while became a blessing in disguise. It provided me with the much-needed mental break that I didn’t even realize I needed. Stepping away from the constant pressure and demands of social media allowed me to reconnect with myself and find peace within. It was during this time that I learned to appreciate genuine relationships, discovered who my real friends were, and embraced the importance of living in the moment. Most importantly, this experience strengthened my faith and taught me to fully depend on God.
A Mental Break: Disconnecting from social media was a transformative experience that allowed me to prioritize my mental well-being. It provided me with the space to reflect, recharge, and rediscover myself. Without the constant noise and comparison that social media brings, I was able to find peace and clarity. I engaged in activities that brought me joy, such as reading, spending time in nature, and pursuing hobbies that had taken a backseat in my busy online life. This mental break became a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.
Appreciating Genuine Relationships: One of the most valuable lessons I learned during this process was the true worth of genuine relationships. Without the constant distraction of social media, I was able to focus on nurturing and appreciating the connections that truly mattered. I discovered the joy of spending quality time with loved ones, engaging in meaningful conversations, and creating lasting memories. These genuine relationships became my support system during the difficult time of losing my online presence. Their unwavering support and love reminded me of the importance of real connections in a world dominated by virtual interactions.
Discovering True Friends: The experience of losing social media and my immense following also revealed who my real friends were. It became evident that some individuals had only been around for personal gain or to ride the wave of my success. However, amidst the chaos, I discovered a handful of friends who stood by me, offering their unwavering support and encouragement. These true friends proved that their loyalty extended beyond the virtual realm. Through this process, I learned the importance of surrounding myself with people who genuinely care about me, rather than those who simply use me for their own benefit.
Living in the Moment: Not consistently being on social media allowed me to truly live in the moment. Instead of constantly documenting and sharing every aspect of my life, I learned to savor and appreciate the present. I became more mindful of my surroundings, embracing the beauty of everyday moments that I had previously overlooked. This newfound presence brought a sense of peace and contentment that I had been missing in my online-driven life. It reminded me to cherish the simple joys and keep certain aspects of my life private, allowing me to maintain a sense of authenticity and personal fulfillment.
Fully Depending on God: Throughout this journey, I learned to fully depend on God. Losing my social media presence was a humbling experience that reminded me of the transient nature of worldly success. It taught me to surrender control and trust in God’s plan for my life. In moments of despair and uncertainty, I turned to prayer and found solace in my faith. I realized that my worth and identity were not tied to social media metrics or external validation, but rather in my relationship with God and the love He has for me.
Surprisingly, unplugging from social media became a transformative experience that brought numerous blessings into my life. This journey strengthened my faith and taught me to fully depend on God. As I move forward, I am grateful for the lessons learned and the newfound sense of balance, authenticity, and faith in my life. I have faith that one day my social platforms will be restored but it will be all for God’s glory.
Be Lovely, Be You
Charlene Gonzalez
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