But things took a sudden turn for the worse as soon as I logged into my computer.

For the record I'm not beholden to my computer … or social media...but it is a big part of my job.

To my dismay I couldn't access Facebook.

I sent out a message through email G-chat to a couple of my crazy colleagues - also up before daylight - to ask if they were having the same problem.

Then things got real.

Apparently Facebook and Instagram was in world-wide shut down.

The immediate reaction was how will people survive?

I mean without the ability to put a status update on Facebook or Instagram how would people be able to inform those on their friends' list (even those they don't really know) about what they are doing?

They wouldn't be able to react with a like or love heart to other people's posts and there would be no more sharing.

Even worse, if they couldn't post emojis how would anyone know how they really felt?

Clearly this situation could turn into a crisis.

Troubled by the situation I decided to take my dog for a walk, maybe some fresh air would do us both good.

I watched daylight break through the clouds and I watched my dog sniff and appreciate every scent … and tree… along the way.

I actually got caught in the rain - but I didn't melt (for any of you who might think I'm a witch) - it was wonderful, refreshing and a great way to clear my head.

I came back smiling and shared the experience of my walk with my husband. He didn't need me to send him an emoji, he could see on my face that I was happy.

I then decided to share the news with readers.

That is the news of my realisation that there is life without social media. 

So get out there and talk to your family and friends face-to-face (I mean the people you actually know, not the strangers on your friends' list).

Let them give you a status update in person and then share yours.

And note the reactions as you engage in real conversation. You won't need any emojis.

This is how people survived before social media and things were fine. We all survived.

So on a day of a Facebook and Instagram  shut down, make the most of the real world.

READ ALSO: CWA celebrates 85 years in Batemans Bay.