Do you ever wonder if your need to stay connected impedes your ability to live in the moment and enjoy the life you’re actually living?
I read so many articles about creating the so-called perfect work-life balance, but it always feels like more of the same. Slow down. Step back. Enjoy the small moments.
I believe in those things, I really do. And I have always attempted to live life in the slow lane. “Do more of what makes you happy”, says my new favorite mug that I use only for tea – relaxing. Reading a book with a mug of tea by my side during a quiet moment makes me happy.
But I do work. And I am a mom. And I do have a husband. And friends and family. I like to volunteer at school and help the PTA. I love coaching my daughter’s soccer team. Eight 7 and 8 year olds full of energy and girl power? That rocks. But you can see where my balance is sometimes off.
Ignoring my phone, while arguably not the best strategy around, helps. When my kids are with me, it’s nowhere near me. When my people are safe and in my arms, I don’t need to constant distraction. It helps to have it out of sight. The stuff in those emails and messages and status updates? Almost all of that can wait. And so it does.
I haven’t found the perfect balance and I’m still working on saying no to helping absolutely everyone…but getting my Smartphone out of my hair for a few hours a day really has helped.
It’s funny. When I got my very first iPhone years ago, I felt like a world of possibilities was at my fingertips. Now I feel like a world of distractions awaits every time I pick it up. It’s amazing what time and age teaches us…
Anyway, head over to mom.me and check out “5 Reasons to Shove the Smartphone to the Back of the Junk Drawer”. Then get out there and enjoy some version of nature (I miss the horseshoe crabs – is it summer yet?) You deserve it.
p.s. Give your most important people their own ring and text tones – let the rest wait. It works, I promise.