It was just another evening scrolling through Instagram when I glanced at the clock and realized an hour had vanished. What had I gained? A few laughs, a handful of memes—but nothing substantial.
Did you know the average person spends over 1,300 hours a year on social media? That’s over 54 days of your life, every year. Now imagine what we could achieve with that time. During a small group discussion, I did a simple calculation that shook me: spending just one hour daily on social media, at $20/hour, costs $7,300 annually. Multiply that by two hours a day, and it’s $14,600—enough to change your life.
This eye-opener challenged me to rethink my daily habits. I realized time isn’t just money; it’s the currency of purpose. It’s time to reclaim it.
The Value of Time: Counting the Cost
“If your time were money, would you spend it the same way?” That question haunted me after the discussion. For years, I’d spent hours on aimless scrolling—reading updates from strangers, consuming endless videos, and chasing fleeting dopamine hits. But at what cost?
Assume your time is worth $20/hour. Spending one to two hours daily on social media costs you the equivalent of a dream vacation, a side hustle, or significant debt relief. But the real cost is harder to quantify: missed opportunities to connect with loved ones, grow spiritually, or work on passions that could shape your legacy.
Ephesians 5:16 reminds us: “Make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Time wasted isn’t just lost—it’s an opportunity stolen.
Breaking Free from the Scroll Trap
Recognizing this, I’ve shifted to intentional living. Instead of letting social media control me, I use it with a clear purpose—whether to research, connect meaningfully, or share my creative projects. I’ve set a 15-minute daily limit and avoid aimless scrolling altogether.
As Albert Einstein said, “Out of clutter, find simplicity.” When I declutter my digital habits, I make room for what truly matters—like creating music, reading books, planning travels, and spending time with family.
Here’s the beauty of it: reclaiming time isn’t about deprivation. It’s about rediscovering joy in the things that nourish your soul.
Soul Insights
1. Time Is Sacred
Every moment is a precious gift, a fleeting treasure that deserves our utmost care. As Psalm 90:12 reminds us: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This timeless wisdom encourages us to pause and reflect on how we invest the time we’ve been given. By treating each day as sacred, we cultivate a life rooted in intentionality, filled with gratitude, and driven by meaningful purpose.
2. Focus Fuels Fulfillment
Scattered energy yields scattered results. By focusing on what truly matters, you gain deeper satisfaction. Steve Jobs once said, “Focus and simplicity… once you get there, you can move mountains.” Begin each day by setting one or two clear priorities.
3. Small Choices Create Big Impacts
Habits shape our lives. Replacing just 15 minutes of scrolling daily with a meaningful activity—journaling, exercising, or connecting with a loved one—creates hours of reclaimed time over a year. What small change can you make today?
4. Presence Brings Peace
Being fully present is a gift in today’s distracted world. Whether it’s a conversation, a meal, or quiet reflection, presence fosters peace. Remove digital interruptions when spending time with loved ones or engaging in self-care.
5. Purpose Guides Productivity
Aligning your actions with purpose enhances both joy and productivity. Proverbs 16:3 says: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Before diving into a task, ask: Does this align with my purpose?
The Power of Perspective
The philosopher Henry David Thoreau once said, “It’s not enough to be busy. The question is: What are we busy about?”
This perspective reshaped my priorities. Are we busy with what truly matters, or are we simply filling time with distractions? By shifting focus to meaningful pursuits—whether it’s creating art, traveling, or simply being present with loved ones—we can live a life rich with purpose.
I also found inspiration in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” A full life isn’t one packed with meaningless activity; it’s one rooted in purpose, relationships, and joy.
Final Thoughts
Social media isn’t inherently bad—it’s how we use it that determines its value. Without intentionality, it becomes a black hole for our time, energy, and potential. But with a little effort, we can reclaim those hours and redirect them toward what truly matters.
Imagine what you could do with an extra hour a day. Would you finally write that book? Plan that dream trip? Strengthen a relationship? The choice is yours, and it starts with small, deliberate changes.
What will you do today to redeem your time?
© 2024 Amelie Chambord
Soul Path Insights 
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