Do you ever get the feeling that the universe is trying to tell you something?
I consider myself very thoughtful in terms off my screen use around my family, especially Jackson. I’m careful and really try to limit my time on the computer and phone.
Last week…
Day 1: Seriously, I was on the computer for no more than five minutes when Jackson walked into the room and plopped down next to me and asked, “Watcha doin’?” I was annoyed. I wanted to be left alone so I could finish what I was doing. What was I dong? I don’t even remember. Was it important? Obviously not. More important than stopping to look into my child’s eyes after a long day at school? Definitely not. Then why did I chose the computer instead of interacting with my son in that moment?
Day 2: After listening to me go on and on about an irrelevant Facebook exchange, Jeff shook his head and sighed, “Why do you even bother reading Facebook snark? It only upsets you and causes you anxiety. You really need to stop doing that.” Why do I spend my time reading Facebook snark?
Day 3: I met a dear friend for coffee and we talked. Really talked to each other. For a long time about lots of things. We concluded that only communicating with people via Facebook, texts or email = DETACHMENT. Nothing should ever take the place of real, honest to goodness face to face communication between two people. And wasn’t THIS (this coffee date, this meeting, this conversation, this exchange, this discussion, this laughter, these tears, this emotion, this connection) wasn’t this so much more meaningful?
Day 4: A friend posted this link on Facebook. Go ahead and read it. It’s a blog post from Hands Free Mama that might make you rethink your entire world. I know I’m thinking. I’m really, really thinking.
Comments
Momo Fali
Well, you KNOW what I’m going to say.
It is true that nothing beats face-to-face connections with friends or holding your child instead of your laptop, but I also know there is SO MUCH GOOD on the internet and it has given people a platform to do things they might not have done otherwise. I know I certainly couldn’t have gotten through the last six years without the support and community that I have online.
Vicki
Momo, I agree with you 100%. The struggle for me is to be more mindful of my use of technology and to enjoy being in the moment with my family. I don’t want to miss precious moments because I’m too busy checking email, FB or working on my blog. It can easily become a habit (at least for me).