Had I not taken two months off of social media (including Twitter) I probably would not have become deeply aware of the toxic nature of some of the people on Twitter. Like a frog in a pot of water, I would have continued to tolerate that level of hate believing it was just normal banter. Well, it’s not.

Protect yourself. Social media, like most drugs, is fine in moderation, but an excessive habit becomes addictive.

Pace yourself, regroup, and refocus on what’s important to you.

During my time off, I enjoyed the holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year celebrations.

I read a few books and wrote everyday. Surprisingly, I am a better writer when I’m not on social media. Many authors have said the same. Sadly, few do anything about it and others notice.

Why? Because the vitriol eats at you like clogged arteries waiting for a heart attack. Silently. Stalking. Then finally you become depressed, medicated, and then you’re no longer yourself. You’re something less than you were. Less than you could be. Unhealthy.

I was for sure. And, I didn’t even know it. Until now… .