There was life before the Internet (or so I remind myself). It's just that I've become quite dependent upon it. I'm not a big tv watcher; I've always preferred books and busyness to watching a tv show. But there is a draw to the computer. I rely on it for research when I'm studying, for ideas for children's lessons, for keeping in touch with friends, and now for journaling my thoughts.
So what happens when you choose to step away from the Internet (or when lightning strikes and chooses for you)? Grin.
So what happens when you choose to step away from the Internet (or when lightning strikes and chooses for you)? Grin.
Well, you just might:
Weed around the flowers
Read a book instead of a blog
Set up all the Fisher-Price Little People sets and play
Spend more time outside with the kids
Pick up a pen and paper to jot down thoughts
Clean out a closet
Rediscover some great toys and books
Take a short nap
Snap a few pictures
Edit forgotten photos
Miss a few friends but make a few memories
Miss a few friends but make a few memories
Hope the inbox isn't overloaded and say thanks for those who extend grace!
So what might you do if you stepped away from the computer?
And when did you last give it a rest?
If it's been awhile, I'm giving you permission to go now -- and enjoy!
24 comments:
Okay, okay! ;-)
Seriously, you're right. With computers and i-pods and cellphones with the continual texting, where would we all be without that constant feedback! Maybe getting something done and learning something.
So glad you experienced some FREEDOM!! Sounds like a beautiful day. I hope you have many more!
Clean a closet...had to mention it to you didn't you ;)
Oh, ouch. I need to do this more.
I have been taking breaks on the weekends, at least.
Yep, I struggle here, too!
I'm going to try the once a week "unplug" day ... and stay off on most weekends, too! When we booked our hotel for the wedding, they said we'd have free internet ... I'm tempted, but I'M NOT bringing the computer!!
It's hard, though, because when you get "back," you feel the need to "catch up!" ;)
I love that you are reminding me to LIVE in the real world...dirty dishes and all.
Recently my laptop broke and I hate using the Husby's laptop, so I basically didn't have the internet for two days. I was so surprised at how much I got done. And I spent a lot of time outside! It was nice and relaxing (though I still love the internet and don't intend to permanently break up with it anytime soon).
pen and paper?! horrors! lol. i've started leaving my phone in the car when i go to the gym and turning it off after a certain time at night (it's a blackberry, so it's addictive), and i notice my quality of life is much better.
thanks for your comment at my sits post today, i appreciated your thoughts!
oh the things I would do if I had free time. learn to play guitar, draw, paint, take pictures... but when I close the computer I turn immediately to face 5 lovely children, like dry sponges waiting to soak up my wisdom (okay so it doesn't look poetic everyday, but we mother's do better when we think that way ;).
If it's not schooling, it's taking care of home and when it's dark and I'm tired, I read... with a flashlight...
'til I can't... keep... my... eyes... open... any... longer. :) I'm definitely not complaining. You have to catch the tone of voice here... it's happy to be here, resigned and contented to be doing what I'm supposed to be doing...
amy in peru
You are so right, after coming to Iraq I realized how much time I'd spent on the internet at home. Sometimes we forget to go outside and enjoy the "real world" thanks for this post! Btw, Happy Saturday SITS Sharefest!
It sure is wonderful to step away from technology and just enjoy life's moments. I go for a lot of walks into the park, when am not around on the computer. That said I have noticed that I am using the computer far too much again, and it is like a comfort zone. As when I am away from it, I like to capture new experiences and make new friends in whichever form I wish. I'm quite spontaneous and like to go for day outs and trips out the blue, and I think am using the computer as my tie lately and not really being as free as I am.
Thanks for the reminder! We all deserve to live.
Have a wonderful weekend.
I hope to at least back away from the computer after this, and really enjoy myself away from this different way of experience.
Yes, technology so easily takes over our lives. I'm currently taking a break from facebook to which I was becoming rapidly addicted, and I'm pleased to notice more creativity just naturally bubbling out of me. Facebook was becoming a drain on me and my time.
(Thanks for stopping by my blog)
I've been stepping away from the computer more and more lately. I find that my kids are definitely happier. Thanks for visiting me today! :)
I think of the internet as the soap operas of my generation. I remember being a kid and coming home to find my mom engrossed in General Hospital or whatever. We'd want her to play with us (or at least share the tv!) but she didn't want to miss what was happening.
Now, my kids walk in the room and feel the same way about my message boards, I imagine!
Of course, my son asked me if he could Twitter, so maybe it's just in our blood ;)
Stacy
Love this sweet reminder!! It's so important to enjoy and cherish our "real life"!!! Hope you have a special weekend! =)
I stepped away during the thunderstorm, did a crossword with my daughter, ran out and took photos when the sun hit the raindrops and headed right back to the computer to blog it. :)
if i spend time away from the computer...
...i end up using my phone for mobile internet access. defeats the purpose, i know. but i'll prolly go crazy...
thanks for stopping by my blog. happy SITS saturday :)
It's not easy to unplug. Internet is probably my second worst addiction. The first being chocolate.
Happy SITS Saturday Sharefest. Have a wonderful weekend!
I go outside more. Today we went to the Parma Animal Shelter adopt-a-pet dog walk and dog blessing. It was quite fun! Our dog had a great time meeting lots of other doggies.
Thanks for reminding me to stop and enjoy life away from the computer.
I also want to thank you for the encouragment about baby books. I really want to get it together. I guess I need to step away from the computer.
A great reminder! I'm going out of town for a couple days this afternoon and I plan to spend most of that time in the real world doing real life things. :)
Good thoughts! When I spend too much time at my computer, my 19 year old daughter always smiles and says "Mom again is captivated wireless"
That's the time when I think I should do something else....playing the Sax for example....
Just what Papa God was saying in me this morning as I stumbled out of bed.
Thanks for the encouragement...and now I'll go do it. Who knows what Lego creations we may make today!
I stepped away from my computer today and weeded in the rain. It was wonderful. Plus I wasn't checking email on my phone because well, it was raining.
Great pictures and I love the comment about the Little People Sets. That was one of my favorite things to do with my oldest when I stayed at home.
Great suggestion.
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