Unplug and Relax for a While

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In a world where most days are rushed and many people are dependent upon electronics and technology, I long for some time to slow down, take a step back and remember what it was like before, when I would panic if I didn’t know where my cell phone was at every minute.

There are days that I suggest playing games with my kids like UNO, Chutes and Ladders, and charades instead of the Wii, computer games or anything that requires batteries.

Although sometimes hesitant, my boys have fun playing the basic games that I grew up with. This was the time before the Internet, iPads, iPhones and other devices that people now can’t seem to ever be without.

As necessary as the computer is, I sometimes wish it didn't beckon me to turn it on. With the intention of only writing a paragraph or more for a project or to check my mail, I sit and press the power button. The single beep when the computer turns on becomes anticipation for me as my mind starts to run through all the things that I will do once it is started.

The projected 10 minutes of checking email goes far past that time allowance as I delete the messages that I don’t need and attempt to respond to others. The email message from Gymboree reminds me that the boys need warmer clothes so I scribble a note to get onto its website and order some, because I don’t have time to go to the store.

There are messages from other parents about the upcoming school fundraiser that need my response. Writing responses to messages prompts me to send a message to a friend, who is more likely to get it on her phone through Facebook. Now, I am on Facebook and before I know it, getting the news updates of other friends and instant messages from friends who can see that I am online.

I have lost track of time and by now my kids are screaming my name from another side of the house while I am lost within this social network. A helpful way to stay connected but on many days, a huge waste of time.

So the other day, I did something very old school, I didn’t turn my computer on for the whole day. I decided to unplug and not worry about the things that could wait and unsurprisingly, nothing negative happened. I didn’t miss anything and I found myself with more time to spend with the important people in my life who get tired of often hearing “just a second.”

Tomorrow I might even leave my cell phone at home.

Edited by Malu Banuelos

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