A few days ago, I decided that I was going to break-up with or “divorce” myself from Facebook. I won’t completely “disconnect” because there are many memories between Ed and I, as well as other family and friends that are there, but I will work hard to not log on, check my feed, or comment on posts. So far – so good. Here’s the why behind this decision…Facebook is not serving me any longer, and frankly, I don’t like who I am when I share and post certain things, particularly when it’s of a political nature. Frankly, I don’t think I’m smart enough and know enough about many of the issues, and I think many should ask themselves this same question before they start down the path of “keyboard courage” on Facebook or any other form of social media. Social media in general is not a place to be schooled. In fact, it’s where most mis-statements are shared and perpetuated. It’s also not the place for debate. Nothing I post on Facebook will change anyone’s mind. Nothing you post on Facebook will change anyone’s mind. No one will say, “You know what, they are right and I am wrong”. No one’s political view will change because I share an article from the Washington Post with my own added commentary. This is not how I can make a difference. This is not how I can make change. This is not how I can shift sand. In fact, all I am doing is contributing to the problem of the divide in this country. I always like to think I can be part of a solution, and I’m going to try to figure out what that means.I can say, since “divorcing” Facebook, I have had many more one-on-one conversations with those that I am interested in spending time with. This has so much more of an impact than “liking” a Facebook post. Don’t get me wrong. I love social media. I am just re-evaluating how it can serve me and how I get what I want out of it, and not the other way around.Some have asked me, “why now”? What finally pushed me over the edge was the incredible news cycle, posts in my Facebook feed and comments related to the fallen Navy SEAL Ryan Owens and his wife, Carryn Owens. I won’t go into the details of why this was the “straw that broke the camel’s back”, but I am sure many can imagine. Let’s just leave it at this – as a widow, I have a very different perspective on how this has unfolded.Divorcing Facebook has me focused on writing and sharing things that I hope will help and inspire others. I strive to do this with kindness, authenticity, and vulnerability. I think this MIGHT be a better use of my time and maybe even a higher purpose.Thank you to those who have already subscribed, and are interested in hearing from me. I hope I don’t let you down :-)Thanks for reading!TraceyP.S. – I can honestly say that not listening to news radio all day long and instead listening to kick ass music has already made a positive difference :-)