Are you experiencing borderline depression? Have you lost the desire to hang out with friends? Has your creativity left you struggling to come up with new ideas? Is what used to bring you joy no longer enough to get you out of bed in the morning, let alone keep you up at night from excitement? Did you used to have a clear purpose, and now you’re not sure what the point of living is? What if this was all part of a greater designed plan?
Hi there, maturing ladies. My name is Marci Nettles, your over-50 friend who is willing to talk about all of it with a desire to give you hope of entering and navigating the best years of your life, not alone but together with others just like you—women that are older than you, women that may be your same age, and even younger ladies. We are women that want to be and do more, find our purposes, and have fun doing it.
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Today's blog is about purpose and what may have been happening that has had you thinking you lost yours. Have you ever felt like there's a fog in your brain, a bottomless pit in your free time, and a growing distance between you and the people you care about? Yeah, me too sometimes.
Finding Your Purpose Again
In today's world, with all the amazing technology and social media, it's easy to get sucked in and wonder where our purpose went flying off to, especially as our identities are changing so much as maturing ladies. Now, I'm not saying technology is inherently bad. Think about it. We can connect with loved ones across the globe, which is so important as our kids have grown and spread their wings. We can learn new things in seconds and even order groceries without pants on. Okay, don't judge me. If you haven't tried it yet, ordering groceries online frees up so much time.
The Digital Distraction
Yet, there's a sneaky side to this digital world, and it can be like a mischievous gremlin messing with our focus and goals. Here's the thing. We know there's a force out there that thrives on distraction. He is a master of mind games who wants to keep us from fulfilling our true potential. His main goals are to kill, steal, and destroy the hopes, dreams, and purpose of God's people.
The Bible calls him Satan, and while it might sound a little out there, technology and social media can act like his little helpers, stealing our purpose piece by piece.
Personal Reflection
You may be wondering why I'm sharing this topic right now. Well, it has been very personal in our home recently where my husband and I have been having conversations where he felt he had been on cruise control for several months and had lost so much time. As we talked, we both felt it was an attack of the enemy or Satan, and that social media reels especially had been a tool that had been used to steal his time, passion, and even his creativity.
During this conversation, we talked about many things, and I'm going to share four of them with you right now with tips and ideas on how you can take back control and regain your purpose.
Have you ever felt like there just wasn't enough hours in the day? You wake up with a list of things to do a mile long, and by bedtime, you barely scratch the surface. Then there's that nagging feeling, what was I supposed to do with my time today anyway? Well, sister, you're not alone. In this crazy tech-filled world, it's easy to get caught up in this trap that keeps us from finding our true purpose. It's almost like there's a force working overtime to distract us. Wouldn't you agree?
Let's face it, that little ping on your phone can be irresistible. There's actually science behind the addictive power of dopamine hits, and that is what social media and technology are all about. It's like a tiny reward system that keeps us glued to our screens. Even text messages nowadays have the three dancing dots that indicate someone is responding to a message you've sent, and you sit there glued to the screen waiting for the response to come through, and sometimes it never does.
Social media feeds are designed to keep you scrolling, endlessly bombarded with updates, funny cat videos, and carefully curated lives that make yours seem maybe a little dull. But here's the thing, comparison is the thief of joy, and social media can be a breeding ground for it. Before you know it, you've spent an hour lost in the online world, feeling like your purpose is to achieve that perfectly staged photo. Then when you finally feel like you got the perfect shot, you only get one like, and you're left feeling defeated. This is another plan of the enemy that has you feeling like you can't do anything right.
Bible Verses to Remember
The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:23 that everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. Just because you can spend hours online doesn't mean it's helping you reach your full potential. It can actually be stealing it. The Bible also talks about avoiding things that control us. 1 Corinthians 6:12 says, all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. Technology should not be our master. It's a tool we use.
Battle Plan for the Addiction and Comparison Attacks
Be mindful: Notice how you feel after spending time online. Are you energized or drained?
Set boundaries: Decide on specific times to check social media and stick to them. Maybe it's just in the morning and evening, not every five minutes.
Find alternatives: If you pick up your phone when you're feeling bored, grab a book, call a friend, or go for a walk. Try something new.
In this quest to take back your life from technology, you may find your true passion and purpose again. There's a whole world out there waiting for you to discover it.
2. Technology as a Time Thief
Remember that to-do list we mentioned? Technology can swallow chunks of your day whole. Just a quick check of emails turns into replying to endless threads. That educational YouTube video spirals into a documentary marathon, and suddenly, dinnertime snuck up on you. Yep, technology can be a major time thief.
Bible Verses to Remember
The Bible reminds us that our days are numbered in Psalms 90:12. Each day is a precious gift, and we shouldn't waste it mindlessly scrolling.
Ways to Take Control of Your Time Back
Track your tech time: There are apps that can help you see how much time you spend online. Knowledge is power.
Embrace JOMO (Joy of Missing Out): You don't have to be at every online event or see every post. Focus on what truly brings you joy, not fleeting social media trends.
Schedule your purpose time: Just like you'd schedule a work meeting, schedule time to focus on your goals, dreams, and drawing near to God, saving time to hear from Him.
3. Avoiding the Mind Mush
Technology shouldn't be turning our brains to mush. It should be helping us grow. The Bible encourages us to guard our hearts and our minds in Proverbs 4:23 and to focus on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy in Philippians 4:8.
Ideas to Help Keep Your Mind Sharp
Curate your content: Follow and engage with things that inspire, educate, and uplift you. Don't get stuck in scroll holes.
Take breaks: Give your brain some breathing room. Disconnect and recharge. This could be hours during the day or even weeks in the month.
Read books: Reading allows for deeper thinking and focus. Specifically, take some of the time you have up until now spent on technology and dedicate it to time reading God's Word, the Bible.
4. Tech Can Damage Your Relationships
Think about it. How often do you have a conversation where someone's glued to their phone barely acknowledging you? Technology can steal our focus away from those that matter most to us. Genuine connection requires presence, eye contact, and truly listening, which we cannot do if we are double-minded.
Bible Verses to Remember
The Bible emphasizes the importance of love and fellowship. In 1 John 4:7, it says, Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Spending quality time with loved ones face-to-face nourishes our souls and helps us connect on a deeper level.
Tips to Reconnect
Be mindful: Assess how technology is impacting your life. Are you using it as a tool, or is it using you?
Set boundaries: Carve out tech-free zones in your day. Silence notifications, put your phone away during meals, and schedule specific times to check emails and social media.
Focus on quality: Seek out content that inspires, uplifts, and challenges you. Use technology to learn new skills, connect with like-minded people, and explore your passions.
Plan tech-free activities: Go for a hike, have a game night, or simply chat over coffee or a mocktail.
Nurture real connections: Prioritize face-to-face interactions with loved ones. Put down the phone, make eye contact, and have real conversations.
Embracing Your Purpose
The Bible is full of verses reminding us that we were created with a purpose. We are designed to love God and love others, as it says in Matthew 22:37-39. Fulfilling that purpose might involve helping others, pursuing your passions, or simply making a positive difference in the world.
Tips for Staying
Focused on Your Purpose
Pray and reflect: Ask God to guide you on your journey. He is trustworthy and will never steer you wrong.
Discover your strengths and passions: What are you good at? What gets you excited? Do more of those things.
Take action: Don't wait for the time to be perfect. Get going today and allow yourself grace to improve.
Remember, my sister, your purpose is far greater than the latest online trend. By taking control of your technology use, focusing on what truly matters, and nurturing your spirit, you'll be well on your way to discovering and fulfilling the amazing things you were created to do. Taking the power away from the one that has been trying to destroy you.
Hey, if you ever feel discouraged, remember the words of Joshua 1:9, which says, Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid nor be dismayed. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
May God bless you.
And remember, I love you and God loves you. You are enough because you are. And the great purpose that has been placed on your life is yours to claim.
- Marci
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