Gratitude beyond the Grid
Reflections on leaving Instagram
I arrived home in California on Friday for a week with family and a much-needed week off work (bless up). I quickly settled into my “home” routine: hours on the couch devouring books, neighborhood walks, a drive to San Francisco to visit friends and St. Dominic’s, and dinner with my grandparents.
Catching up with friends is delightful as always. We always pick up right where we left off and talk a mile a minute to cram months of updates into a few precious hours. But a new pattern has emerged this year. Every friend I’ve seen has quietly asked, “So… are you still off Instagram?”
I left Instagram last October. Before you brace for a rant about social media, don’t worry – I’m not here to convince anyone to follow suit. But when I was considering taking the leap, I found comfort in reading others’ reflections, so I thought I’d share mine.
The truth is, I’d felt a pull to leave Instagram for almost six years before I finally did it. For me, opening the app often felt like roulette: I never knew what I’d encounter on my feed, but it rarely left me feeling better. Over time, my feed became a patchwork of people from all stages of my life (friends, acquaintances, and everyone in between) which felt increasingly overwhelming.
More than anything, I realized Instagram wasn’t bringing out the best in me. I’d obsess over likes and comments, check story views incessantly, and measure myself against countless others based on a curated snapshot of their lives. I started to see how much noise it created in my mind, making it harder to focus on my own path and discern what God was calling me to do.
Last October, I decided to take a break over the holidays, hoping to be more present with the people and life right in front of me. That break turned into months, and eventually, a full year. Even after a gorgeous trip to Paris (yes, there are pictures I’d love to post), I don’t feel the desire to go back.
Leaving Instagram hasn’t magically solved all my struggles with comparison or attention-seeking (we’re all works in progress here), but my life feels bigger without it. My relationships are deeper. I have more time for the things that truly matter to me. And while I am often late to the party with life updates, I’ve realized that the news that’s meant for me always finds a way. Plus, instead of a quick like or comment, I get to have real conversations with people, which fulfills me so much more (words-of-affirmation and quality-time gal here!).
If you’ve ever thought about taking a break, let me reassure you: it’s not as scary as it seems. Before I left, I worried I’d lose touch with people, become irrelevant, or even sabotage my dating life (spoiler: if someone wants to find you, they will... LinkedIn is proof!). But stepping away has only shown me how rich and connected my life could be without the constant scroll.
As Thanksgiving approaches, this might be your invitation to take a pause, whether from Instagram or something else that drains your time and peace, to make space for silence, connection, and gratitude. We are so incredibly blessed, and nothing pleases the Enemy more than distracting us with comparison and dissatisfaction. Don’t let him win!
Thank you for reading, for sticking around The SundayMonday even after we stopped posting on Instagram (sorry!), and for your prayers and thoughtful replies to this newsletter. This year, prayers have been offered for us in Medjugorje, Vatican City, St. Joseph’s Oratory, Lourdes, and with Our Lady of Guadalupe. I don’t take that for granted, and I’m deeply grateful for this community.
Please know of my prayers for you and for a blessed and joy-filled Thanksgiving! Send me your Turkey Day pictures—I promise to shower you with all the likes and comments I can via email.
In Christ,
Jane
What I’m Loving Lately
Jamming to Emma Nissan
This jazzy song has been on repeat for the past week. It’s so boppy and gorgeous - very Lake Street Dive vibes.
Time with the family
Keeping this section short this week because I’m hanging around with my family and catching up with friends at home. Here’s the firepit my mom and I set up last night on the beach in Carmel! Swoon
Prayer requests
For a special intention
For a friend waiting to hear on a job offer
If you or a loved one need prayers, just reply to this email or reach out and I’ll include them in next week’s newsletter!