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I’m Going Off Line
Remember the power of taking the phone off the hook?
Short of someone coming to the door (which happened back then), you had the power to isolate yourself. You could nap. You could let your babies nap. The rest of the outside world might just wonder who you were on the line with for so long, but they were still...outside.
Whether it's because of all the communication technology at our disposal, or just our frantic need to stay informed, we have lost the art of disconnecting. We are lousy at drawing boundaries. And as a result, we are some frazzled folk.
Here's the latest scoop...
Remember when I thought it wouldn't be likely that I'd have any work as a facilitator over the next two months? Well...all that pathetic pity party was misplaced, because I picked up four weeks of substituting that will take me across the lower part of Florida (hello Bill Dorman) and eventually to Atlanta (watch for me Laura DeMars!)
I just got back from the first week of travel. It was fun. I love meeting new people and helping them understand things. I like to travel. I especially love coming home.
So what did I learn?
It's all intense. Going from dealership to dealership with Mimi's Magnificent Mazda Material (which is actually stored in this huge black hard-sided clam case that looks like I'm a super spy) is hard work.
Finding ways to make time for all that has to be addressed for work and family is challenging. I know how to use all the technology at my disposal to stay connected, but I still haven't learned how to add hours to my day.
And what does that mean?
I'm unplugging. I'll still answer emails and I may check in on Yelp now and then so my family can trace my whereabouts, but after four years and nine days of blogging, I'm declaring a hiatus.
Three things I will miss most.
My old friends.
The sense of connection to my family, friends and acquaintances who've stuck with me all four years. I am honored that they look forward to seeing my name in their in boxes. They may not connect to any other social media, but they come here to hang with me! I'll be back before you know it, and until then, I'll think of you when I see the moon!
My new friends.
I enjoy popping in and out of the few blogs I follow regularly. I like feeling connected to people coast to coast who I've never met, and I've loved meeting a few (Gini and Ken) in person. I am especially grateful for the friendship with folks who I might not even immediately recognize in an airport (Huge hugs to Elizabeth, Rick, Jack & Kaarina! And note...if you click on Kaarina's name you'll see a great post that may help you identify signs that you, too, need to take yourself off the technology hook!).
The therapy of expression.
That's why I'll be back. I need this blog more than you do! But for the next two months, when those random thoughts pop into my head...as well as the occasional well ordered ones...that make me think "I'll blog about that!" I'll simply add it to a list and see if I still want to share it when I come back to you. That process will likely make this a much improved blog come April when I return!
What's getting unplugged?
Virtually everything but email and occasional passes through Facebook. I spend a lot of time online reading other blogs, following news trails, learning things that don't necessarily add anything to the beauty or wisdom of my life, and connecting with people who I don't know and who aren't present.
Kaarina was right. It makes my bum numb and it makes my head ache. When I do add things back in, like blogging and Twitter, I might find that I am more disciplined in the amount of time I actually spend on it.
TTFN
I will be back. I will think of you all often and surround you with prayers in place of words that appear on your screen or your phone. And if you need me, email or call! I'll pick up the line, I promise!
In the meantime, I'll spend spare moments over the next two months caring for myself and for my family. And from that, I'm quite certain...more goodness will grow.
Just thought that I would say hi.
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LikeTheJackB Well hi and hello! How nice to know you thought of me! That means much more than you might guess, Jack. I hope all is well in your world.
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LikeI'll miss you on the blog, but certainly want to keep up with you. I'm proud of you for having the courage to do something different and see what happens. I'm actually excited for you and know whatever happens will be fodder for something, if only your personal nourishment and restoration.
Thank you for including me by name in this post -- I'm sure each of us treasures you in our unique way, and I can assure you that prayers and well-wishes are beaming your way right now.
You will ride lightly on my heart, wherever you go.
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LikeRiverwoodWriter I think "You will ride lightly on my heart, wherever you go" is the finest line of communication I have ever read. I am so grateful for those words, so grateful for you, and...I'd like that on a bumper sticker, a tshirt or a coffee mug, please!
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LikeMimiMeredith Count on it...
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LikeWill miss you but enjoy your time! I have to say that when I "lift my head up from what I'm doing long enough to feel a fresh breeze . . ." this is one of the places I come to find that breeze! And if you find yourself in Seattle during your travels come visit. I've actually been meaning to send you a note as we are going to be in Phoenix the end of February and I wondered if you were going to be around then?
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LikeStacyChristie I will be here the end of the month and I would LOVE to see you! Please be sure and let me know your plans and we'll coordinate a time to see one another. Here's to the years of love and support...thanks always "my friend!"
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LikeI could not be happier for you! We are indeed on the same chapter of life, my friend, so let's keep reading...perhaps not the same book, however:)
I believe there are no coincidences in life and, just like the saying "when the student is ready, the teacher appears", so too are the messages we receive from various sources that finally "click", and we find our way again.I woke this morning to find your comment on my blog, and your post. I'm your biggest cheerleader for getting off the numb bum, haha, and for unplugging. I think many of us are in the state of where-to-from-here and, coupled with your comment and post today, I found inspiration on two totally (up until today) sites, and am motivated to make the changes that I've been talking about, studying waaaayyyy too much about.
I wish you great joy, success and peace of mind. Regardless of time or distance, know we're here for you, regardless of frequency of contact. I'm honored that you consider me a friend, and thank you for your lovely words. I'm smiling as I write this to you, and will be doing the happy dance for us both. Cheers! Kaarina
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LikeKDillabough Isn't it liberating when you lift your head up from what you're doing long enough to feel a fresh breeze and see what's been around you all the time. Those little moments of inspiration can be the revelations that save us from ourselves! Here's to dancing ourselves to peaceful prosperous places! (You can use that when you finally get to P!)
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LikeMimiMeredith I've got you down for that, my friend, when I get to the "P" (that didn't sound quite right, now did it...although much better than when I originally omitted the word "the", haha).The breeze is blowing this way to. To our adventuring, my friend, and keeping the wind at our back and the sun in our face.
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LikeEnjoy your time away. There is something to be said for disconnecting for a while. I have never gone for very long but when I have it has always been a real pleasure to come back. Sometimes absence does make the heart grow fonder.
Good luck with the new opportunity. Enjoy it. We'll be here when you return.
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LikeTheJackB Hey Jack, we must have been writing at the same time. Coincidence? I think not:)
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LikeTheJackB Thanks, Jack! You have no idea...well of course you do!...how comforting that is.
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