As most of you know, I stepped away from Instagram this year. 

It was both a practical business decision and a personal choice.

(In case you missed it, here's a link to my blog post about that decision)

It's now been a full six months since we posted anything to our account.

When other people hear that, most of them ask “How is that?”

The truth? It couldn't be better.

From a practical business perspective, it had become clear that for me, Instagram was not worth the time investment. After six months with that time made available to pour back into my business, I feel this on an entirely new level. I knew I was losing too much time to Instagram before, but I didn't fully comprehend just how much it was holding me back.

Creating content for a fast-paced algorithm was draining my time and energy more than I even realized. Without having to be concerned about Instagram engagement, I've been able to pour more creativity into client work, to explore and develop my own original style, and to invest in more evergreen marketing.

But it's not just the direct time investment (although that adds up too!). It's not just 15 minutes a day or a couple hours of content planning that I've gained back into my life. 

It's freedom from comparison.

Freedom from worrying what other people think. 

Freedom from feeling like I have to “keep up.”

Freedom from mindless scrolling.

Freedom to invest my time in relationships and activities that feel life-sustaining.

I've never been happier to be so “out of the loop” on trends that don't appeal to me. I've spent more time reading books on topics that interest me, learning from educators I admire, and practicing my skills in an effort to improve my creative abilities.

I can honestly say that stepping away from Instagram has actually been one of the best decisions for business and for my own personal well-being.

Why share this with all of you? Because I want you to know that it is possible to take control of your time and choose where you invest it.

There was a time where I thought I couldn’t leave Instagram and maintain a thriving business. Now, I know that isn’t true. I am forever in pursuit of a business well-loved and a life well-lived. Stepping away from Instagram feels like a key part of that philosophy in this season of my life.

I want to encourage you to take a good look at where you are investing your time and energy: are you happy with those investments?

If you are, I am so glad to know that you've found balance and clarity in your life and work. You should be proud of the choices you've made to create a life you truly love.

But if you want to make a change, I'm here to encourage you. You are in control of your time and you have the power to invest it where it serves you best.

I'm not necessarily against Instagram completely—in fact, I think it's a valuable tool for many entrepreneurs. And I'm sure I'll return at some point soon to share a few updates and reconnect with our audience! But for now, I'm happy with the re-investment of my time and energy into areas that bring me sustainment and joy… and I wish the same for you, whatever that looks like in your life and business.

Questions? Hit reply on this email.

I'm an open book, and I'd love to start a conversation with you.