This weekend I am taking a phone detox. I am turning off social media. I am turning off the constant stream of live updates. And I am updating myself.
Each year around this time, I try to put away the need for connection that my phone provides and try to connect with what really matters most- my kids, my husband, and our lives that we are building.
2020 has created some anxiety. My social media feeds and other media outlets unfortunately contribute to the anxiety. The constant debating and yelling has me tired. There are other ways to solve problems than yelling over one another or blasting someone on social media. My brain and heart desire calm, peace, and resolution.
It is the 4th of July weekend. A time where we celebrate and honor America. I understand that there is a desire for change. But truth be told, I am not sure where my voice and thoughts fit in with all of it. I need to turn it off. I need time to figure out my thoughts, ones that are not influenced over all the debates, and yelling, and hatred. I need time to look at the sweet faces of Lily and Jack playing in the backyard, and find comfort in the type of America that we are able to provide for them and figure out how this kind of life can be made for everyone who is willing to “fight” for it.
I use that word “fight” figuratively. I “fight” every day for things that I want and believe in. I “fight” for my health. I “fight” for my families financial stability. I “fight” for my own type of peace (for me I find that in the serenity my back yard, away from the noise). I “fight” for positivity and gratefulness. I “fight” for the life I have created. It hasn’t been given to me. I have had to work hard. And the crazy thing that the American Dream provides is that that “fight” continues to grow, because my dreams continue to grow. And I will continue to “fight” for the life that I choose. I will problem solve how to obtain my dream, making it a reality. The ability to dream and create your dreams is a beautiful, beautiful thing for me.
But the first step in this right now is to turn off my phone. It is to let my mind figure out what my “dream” is and not to be influenced by everyone and everything out there. It is my way to connect with my immediate family. It is my way to not be distracted by things that I can’t control right now. It is my chance to wipe my slate clean and give myself a new, unfiltered perspective, and perhaps return to the “connection” that the phone provides with a rejuvenated outlook and potential solutions to help others find their dreams and happiness.
So, if you want a reset as well, feel free to do the same. In order to make this work, I need to turn it off and put it in a drawer. However, other people can’t forget about it. Therefore, I also suggest taking off all apps (like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, News stations) off the homescreen of the phone. I am turning it off at 3:00 PM today (Friday, July 3), and I am not turning it on until Monday morning.
Happy 4th of July. Happy weekend to reset and realign your focus. I will publish another blog early next week with how it went and insights I have gained though the clarity and new focus. Stay tuned.
