In August 2025, I deleted my social media accounts.

It was at least a year in the making.

Before leaving, I set up an email list for anyone who still wanted to stay connected. And I use YouTube to share my journey as it unfolds—it feels very different to social media. Slower, less reactive, and not constantly pulling at your attention.

The exit wasn’t as easy—or as comfortable—as I expected.

After nearly 15 years of intentionally using social media—not casually, but as a place of real investment—to share the gospel, encouragement, and help for others, it almost felt like I was letting go of years of sowing, nurturing, and fruit.

Social media, for me, wasn’t just about keeping in touch or posting updates.

It was something I had given myself to. Built around. Poured into with intention. Which is part of why leaving it carried real weight.

At the same time, I had experienced how difficult—and even negative—social media can be.

The distraction.
The addiction.
The interactions.

So much misunderstanding.
So much hype.
So much inflammatory noise.

It’s just a poor place to have healthy, fruitful conversation.

I reached a point where I became deeply disillusioned with social media.

I found myself watching videos of people who had deleted their accounts—and every time, I felt this freedom, relief, and excitement. I was so drawn to it.

And yet, it still took at least a year to actually make the move.

When I finally bit the bullet, a mixture of things surfaced over the following months.

I want to share a 3 of them here.

The first thing I noticed was how much headspace I got back.

People often ask, “You must have so much more time now.”

Yes—there is a time benefit. But more than that, it’s been the headspace.

My creativity has exploded. Revelation comes quicker. Things I’d wrestled with for years suddenly found clarity with ease.

It shocked me how much junk I had filled my mind with—constant scrolling, constant messaging, constant noise.

Not all of it harmful. Some of it harmless. But noise nonetheless.

Once I shut that down—no more daily scrolling, no more innocent hijacking of my attention—I found myself with space again.

Space to think. Space to be. Space for ideas and answers to rise naturally.

The second thing I learned is how much we live in reaction.

I’d see one post, and suddenly emotions would flare. My thoughts would spiral, sending me down mental paths that had nothing to do with my real life.

Often, the topic was pointless. It had zero impact on my actual world.

I also realized how much I used to share things that were actually meant to be sat with longer. By posting too quickly, I was robbing myself of depth.

Even when what I shared was good, there was more to it—more richness—if I simply gave it time.

So now, instead of reacting to everything I see or instantly posting every new revelation, I sit with it. I “chew the cud,” so to speak.

And I can’t tell you how much goodness that’s produced.

There’s something powerful about living quietly—and not reacting too quickly to what you consume or what you learn.

The third thing I noticed is how much more engaged I am with people.

On social media, you already know everyone’s business. So when you meet up, there’s nothing new—just recycled updates.

But now, I don’t know what everyone’s been doing. So when I’m with people, I’m genuinely interested. "What have you been learning? What’s been happening in your life?"

It reminds me of growing up before social media.

Bus stops and train stations were full of conversation, laughter, interaction.

Now, those same places are silent—everyone glued to their phones.

Without social media, I’m more present, more engaged, and more connected.

It’s brought back the simple joy of actually seeing one another.

And that feels healthy.

Do I think social media is evil and everyone should delete it?

No—not necessarily.

I can see myself returning one day, but not with the old wineskin.

If I do, it will be to stay in touch with friends and family overseas, and to document my life—not to push a message, build a brand, or tell a story.

When I look back at old photos and posts, I realize how many beautiful memories were captured. And I want my kids to be able to look back on them in future years.

I also used to believe I needed social media to market my online coaching—and that leaving it would cause everything to fail.

This journey has proven the opposite.

What helped was learning, long before I left, that social media is not my source. God is my source. The algorithm is not my focus. Abiding is my focus.

And I’ve watched God continue to provide—without social media.

That, in itself, has been a real blessing.

If you’ve been thinking about stepping away... If you feel relief at the idea of quiet... If the thought keeps returning...

That’s worth paying attention to.

For me, leaving wasn’t about escape—it was about clarity and simplifying.

More space.
More presence.
More trust.

You don’t need certainty to take a step like this. Sometimes clarity comes after.