The modern world makes it easy to rely on electronic conveniences. From the refrigerator that keeps my food cold to my laptop and even my phone and baby monitor I spend a good portion of my day plugged in. There is a dull electronic hum that is a part of the background noise of my day.
Television is not a big draw to me but I do watch a show a few nights a week to unwind with my husband. Yet I find myself on my phone often between client and friend communication, checking the calendar, playing a word game, and researching on the internet. And while I prefer to hold an actual paper book I do have a kindle for some of my reading. It is easy to get attached to all these conveniences.
There is a Facebook post floating around about a week at a cabin with no internet or cell service. To me that proposal sounds amazing! I would love a family trip that allowed us the the opportunity to focus on each other. I would love the peace and quiet of the time there alone as well, though I do know the mom in me would worry a little if all was okay back at home..
The truth is we don't need a cabin in the middle of no where. It makes it easier if the conveniences are simply no available but we have the choice each day on how much we will plug in or how much we will refrain. I have made an effort to use my phone less around my daughter this year. It is easy to be distracted but she is growing fast and it is more important to me to be in the moment with her.
I'm grateful for these reminders. I'm grateful to be conscious of how much I spend plugged in and distracted. I'm grateful to make a conscious effort each day to focus on family. I'm grateful to not use television every day with my daughter. I'm grateful for the temperatures being warm today so my daughter and I can enjoy some time outside.
What is your favorite unplugged activity? If you cannot unplug today, is there a day you can observe this opportunity over the weekend?
May today remind us to focus on the physical world around us. May we choose to be present with the ones we love and turn off some of the distractions. Have a beautiful day!