My computer…I look at my computer many times during the day, I sit at it most of those times, clicking through my routine clicks (e-mail, FaceBook, WordPress) looking for connection, news of the “real world”, a chance to feel creative (especially if I am writing a blog post). I could think of many reasons why I allow myself to sit down again and again. The reality is, I can’t just leave it alone. I can’t just walk by and pretend my computer isn’t there, ready and able to give me a peak into somewhere else.
Even though it isn’t physical connection, it is still something. But, I can tell I need a break. I know it, I feel it, and yet I fight it. Why? Because, it isn’t easy for me to take a break from something that offers some form of connection. Yes, I know the connection I find in blogging, connecting on FaceBook, or just roaming the internet isn’t enough connection. It isn’t even “real connection” but it is easy and right at my finger tips…so I indulge.
And just like anything that feels self-indulgent, at some point I have to come back to reality.
My reality, without my computer calling me, is actually a really beautiful place. I participated in a screen-free week back in April and I was remarkably surprised at the drastic and instant changes in our family. It offers me time for playing with my kids, including them in meal preparation, feeling less rushed, having more patience, the ability to hear myself and when I need a real break, more time to connect with my husband.
My family functions more smoothly when we have less computer/t.v. time, especially me. My boys don’t know what to do after a while of me staring at the computer screen. I know it, I just find it hard to pull myself away from what I am reading, writing, searching for…
I am going to take a break from the computer. It is going in my closet, on the top shelf where I can’t see it. The next two weeks are all about family time, my Kindergartener is home from school, my husband is off work for a bit. I am ready to just be available, present and not finding myself “quickly” stealing time away to click, type, stare at a screen.
I will be back, I love to write. I enjoy this aspect of my computer time the most actually. This two-week break is going to feel so refreshing…enjoy your holidays!
If you are new to the Remind ME Series, click here to catch up.
The next post in this series: To Be Announced
Can’t wait to hear how it went!