Computer Time

I've been trying a little experiment this last week: turning off the computer for 3 days. It sounds so easy (it's not even 3 days in a row), and yet I have really been challenged by the lessons I've learned.

Lesson 1: The world (facebook and my etsy shop mostly) still runs without my supervision. Before trying to break the fierce grip my computer has on me, I found myself going about my day only to have my own mind interrupt normal activities to suggest checking facebook. I'm not sure what I thought I'd find there, but all of a sudden, I would turn my back on my life to see what other people were doing RIGHT NOW.

Lesson 2: Without the resources of email or messaging, I had to actually call my friends. Connecting with another person through real life conversation is so much different than thinking of the perfect one-liner, spell checking it, and then posting it only to wait and see if they respond at all. (Maybe they'll "like" it or even comment back.)

Lesson 3: Facebook has been a great place to re-connect with old friends and even make some new ones, but I can't rely on my online friends for the acceptance I desire. My computer screen doesn't smile back at me, or give me a much needed hug. My computer will not hear the way I speak my words and may not completely understand my sense of humor. My computer will not look me in the eye and be glad to see me.

Of course, as I sit and write this, I'm on the computer! But...I slowly feel my creativity returning. I don't want you to read this and not be my friend anymore. I really enjoy all facets of the friendships I have made. I just am learning balance. Isn't that what life is all about? Balance between spouse, kids, chores, friends, and self?

I'd like to go from this:

to this: