Making Space: The Unexpected Gift of Logging Off

By Tammy Watson | Solutions With Tammy | Canadian Handywoman

This week, I finally did something I’ve been putting off for months: I updated the services page on my Canadian Handywoman website. You might be thinking, “Okay Tammy, great—why now?”

It was because I had finally made space. Mentally. Emotionally. Digitally.

And that space came from stepping away and logging off the biggest thief of my time and energy: Meta.

This week, I made a big move. I stepped back from Facebook.

I didn’t delete my personal or professional profiles—at least not yet—but I turned them off and removed the app from every device I own.

Facebook has been a part of my life for over 20 years. I’ve shared countless moments there: joys, milestones, heartbreaks, wins, losses, random thoughts, and the day-to-day chaos of life. I’ve basically raised my family on that platform—and watched many of you do the same.

But for over a year now, I’ve been saying to friends and colleagues, “I’m just not into it anymore.”

What I Don’t Miss

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s been bugging me:

• Not seeing posts from all my friends

• Clickbait and algorithm games

• Behavioural manipulation and outrage machines

• Ad after ad after ad

• Creepy old man friend requests (you know the type)

• Being asked to re-add people I’m already friends with

• One-sided news feeds and the echo chambers that come with them

Sound familiar?

What I Do Miss

Honestly, I know what kept me hanging on—and I do miss those parts.

I miss the sense of community. Seeing what everyone’s up to. The funny dog reels. Local events. Reconnecting with old classmates or long-lost cousins. Sharing the everyday wins. I loved living vicariously through many of you, and I loved the spaces I built.

That was the hook—and it’s still the hardest part of stepping away.

But Here’s What I Gained

Even after just five days, I felt a shift. A weight lifted. More calm. More focus.

Last night, I went to an intimate (and very fun) ABBA tribute concert with friends and family. The band, SOS - The ABBA Experience did not disappoint! We danced in the aisles and sang our hearts out. Normally, I’d be live-posting from the moment we parked the car. But this time? I texted a few people. I soaked it in. And now I’m sharing it with you here.

That felt good.

A Night Out With Friends: Music, Laughter, and No Algorithms

Dancing in the Aisles: A Night of Music, Joy, and No Social Media

Taking Control (Again)

We all grow and shift through different seasons of life. Facebook was a massive part of mine. But somewhere along the way, I let it control how I interacted with the world. And now? I’m taking that control back. At least I'm trying!

Maybe I’ll go back someday. Maybe I won’t. But for now, I’m honouring the space this has given me—and how much more present I’ve been since.

A Quick Nudge for You

If you’ve been feeling frustrated or drained by social media, I want to gently suggest something:

You’re not crazy. You’re not alone. You’re allowed to set boundaries that work for you.

You don’t have to burn it all down—but you can take a break, pause, or reset your relationship with it. Logging off, even for a specific time during the day is pretty freeing!

Ask yourself:

“Is this still serving me?” And if the answer is no—maybe it’s time to make a little space too.

Thanks for being here. Thanks for reading. And if you want to see what I’ve been up to lately, check out the updated Canadian Handywoman Services page—she’s lookin’ good!

Lastly, let me know in the comments if any of this hits home with you!