A Break from Social Media

Καλησπέρα, Δ.Α.!

This weekend I took the decision to disconnect from all social media for a time. In essence, it's a way to detox myself from what (arguably) takes up a good chunk of my time. And to be honest, I feel that lately these places have become a sort of escape gateway to avoid thinking about you. I know these sucedáneos will never replace your place from my hear, and yet I'm still looking for you in places I know I will not find you. Nevertheless, sometimes radical measures need to be taken in order to move forward. Thus, this (temporary) auto-ban from social media.

Oh! You know something I noticed today? It's funny, but every time I opened my phone or my browser, I kind of felt at a loss to decide what to do. I would find myself checking my phone and then realizing that I could not do much other than look at what time it was. Later I downloaded a book to read, but still! The feeling was shocking! I didn’t know where to go next, because my go-to web hangout — Facebook, Instagram, etc. — was out. But don’t worry. This won’t last long. I'm already looking to discover distractions of a different kind and even find more time to learn a new hobby. Here is what I have in mind for the time being:

• Continue to learn and perfect Greek. I've been doing this for a while now. Initially it was to give you a big surprise! But now it is something that I want to keep close to my heart.
• Learn German. I've been wanting to do this for the longest time but never really put a serious effort to do it. This year is marks the first step towards that.
• Start doing volunteering work outside of teaching the Catechism. This one I had mentioned to you a while back. I wanted help out with the efforts in helping out the Syrian refugees here in Montreal. However, when I looked for opportunities, all of the spots were already taken and they only looked for monetary help. I recently bumped into Big Brothers and Big Sisters and I will be becoming a mentor. I think I'm going to like it since it deals with one of your passions: Children.
• Arts, crafts and painting. This one I've been doing it for a while now. I started with acrylic, I'm currently doing watercolor, and I think I'll continue with plumilla (nib pen). I'm looking forward to share with you what I come up with in the future! You know, the first two paintings I did were meant for you, but since you're gone now, I gave them to your mother (they were always meant to stay where your heart is anyway). And you know what? She loved them! I was happy she did! I still have to perfect my technique, but it was a good sign! I specially like the one that I called "Σήμερα είναι μια καλή μέρα για μια καλή μέρα" because when I was painting it I was thinking about you and the days we spent together. Plus, the title is an homage to the writing you had on your blackboard at your place the last time I saw you...
• Calligraphy. This one is mostly to make better cards and to regain some of the good handwriting that I had when I was younger.
• Learn to play some pop songs in piano. I want to sing, that's all. hehe

Well, that's it for the time being. 2017 is just an infant! There are many more things I want to try out, read, experience and above all, love... I think leaving aside social media for the time being is a good call, even if right now it's a bit hard to leave aside. I'm looking forward to see what 2017 has in store for me and I hope I can share it all with you... One thing is for sure. All of this, my efforts and my tiredness, my happiness and my sadness... All I will offer it to our God for your happiness, Δ and any of my friends reading this. I really wish for you to be happy and I'm sure the God Lord has something amazing for you. 

Have a good day, and I will talk to you later.