Thursday, October 11, 2012

31 Days: The 'Off' Button

While I was perusing some of my favorite blog reads this week, I came across this post and this one about how important it is to drop our phones and shut down our computers sometimes, and focus on what we have in front of us.

Technology and social media are funny things. They creep into our daily routines, suck out a few hours, and leave us where? In my case, typically it is just without the two hours I just wasted. I do love a good Instagram photo, and I still keep up with this blog, my Twitter and Facebook accounts by choice. But, I also recognize the effect they can have on my relationships, and the way I spend my time at home.

I can hardly remember my life before my iPhone. And the 4s made things even better. I constantly feel like anything and everything is at my fingertips with the touch of an app button. 

But, there are nights when I get wrapped up in my Facebook feed, and B with his fantasy football app, and by the time I realize it we have let thirty minutes go by without saying a word to each other. This is not what I want my at home life to look like. And, the only way I see to correct this pattern is to start with me. 

I have tried to set the evening time limit, where I would leave my phone in another room and claim it 'off limits' after 8PM. That was usually the night that I got a few text messages that I wanted to return, and those texts turned into ongoing conversations with friends while B and I were half watching another episode of 'Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.

This year I want things to be different. While I have no plans of giving up my iPhone or iPad, I want to be more intentional about the time that we have together. I want to be more intentional about the time I spend with other family and friends as well. Cutting back on technology will give me more time to have actual conversations with my loved ones, and this is the foundation that I want to set for the family that we will have someday. 

I want to be the manager of my proverbial 'off button.' I guess someday starts today.


2 comments:

Shannon Dew said...

I love how you said this is not how you want your home life to look like. That made me think, if someone were looking in on us, what would they think? Yeah...not ok.

Unknown said...

Such a great post, and such a great reminder to us all! It is a tough balence between wanting to connect with our internet friends, and our irl friends and family.