Disconnect?

 

What would you like to disconnect from?

I ask that because, if you are like me, I recently realized that for the last couple of weeks, I was already disconnected. There I was, in the midst of family, busy with work and school...knowing that I have so much to be thankful for; in need of nothing; and yet, feeling anxious and fretful, as if there was always something that I should be doing, but not knowing what it could possibly be; something more, more, more!! I was impatient and irritable, not pleasant to be around, I'm sure. 

I finally identified the feeling as "disconnected." I was disconnected from those closest, and most important to me...

How did I end up in that situation? I have a job that I love. It allows me to connect with people and help them with various problems they have in their life. I am a people person. I enjoy being with them. Like so many others, I've tried to make up for this by being electronically connected. And for me, an electronic connection just doesn't work. I want, and need more. But, I was looking in all the wrong places....more electronic distractions; more time in FaceBook, more time in a stupid game that always wanted me to do something more, more, more! I knew it was a waste of time, but my mind was so distracted, and I desperately needed to focus on something....anything! What a downward spiral that proved to be! I knew better, but I just didn't do better. 

Praise the Lord, for a moment of clarity and realization...I had become my own worst enemy! Now it was time to come up with a new plan, and a new focus. Can I walk totally away from social media? Not right now.  It really is the main way for me to work my business under the current circumstances. Can I be smarter with the way I use it? Absolutely!

So, there are a couple of things that I'm planning to do:

1 - Drastically reduce my social media time. I can check my email 2-3 times a day and find out everything I need to know in there.

2 - A couple of minutes of FaceBook time to make sure I am responding to my customers comments, 3 times a day is enough. 

3 - Keep a good book going to pick up and read for a mental break, instead of my phone or iPad.

4- I can actually call someone instead of texting them. Now, I love texting...short, sweet, and to the point. But, it is no substitute for hearing a human voice and having a real conversation. 

I have a problem, and it's time to address it.

"I am resolved no longer to linger, charmed by the world's delights.."

I want to stay connected....really connected to the people that I am so blessed to have in my life....family, friends, neighbors. People are hurting right now, and I want to reach out and touch in a personal, meaningful way. That helps me just as much as I hope it helps them!

So, don't be surprised if I call you just to ask..."how are you really doing?" And you feel free to do the same. I am still texting and posting. It has its place. But I am resolved to keep social media and all of its buddies in the proper place in my life.....not in charge of my life. Does that make sense?

I hope I have answered your question. Yes, you may, and probably should disconnect from some things from time to time. Just make sure they are the right things.

Merry Christmas, and Happy Disconnecting!!

Martha

p.s....I'm also going to make sure I give myself some self care, and continue sharing how to do that with others. Please feel free to ask me how!