photo via kingdomofstyle.typepad.co.uk
… better yet, I’m going to “meet” my husband and children all over again …
So while I’m still feeling this urge to purge, I’m also going to reset our internal clocks and rhythms by doing another “no technology/no electricity after sunset” week. This family NEEDS this right now. So I’m taking it upon myself to hit The Reset Button.
If you’ve ever been around our family for more than a few minutes, you’ve probably heard one of us talk about “hitting the reset button”. Papa will ask a cranky child “do you need me to hit your reset button?”. When “Angry Mom” is present, you’ll eventually hear “I need to hit my own reset button” as I take a moment to center myself. The kids even press an invisible button on their body when they feel chaotic or unfocused.
For our family, a technology fast is the ultimate reset button. Its how we reboot.
Without the presence of unnecessary distraction, we are able to realign ourselves with our family’s values, our mission statement.
With the absence of that superfluous mental noise, we are each able to hear whatever it is that is calling us… and listen… and follow that call.
We become resourceful. Our creativity comes to the forefront. We exude the best parts of ourselves.
We become attentive. We get reacquainted with ourselves… and each other. We fall in love all over again.
Memories are actively created with intention rather than passively dictated by neglect. And let’s be honest – our children’s childhood memories are happening with or without our influence, and its the perception of their childhood that becomes the reference point for their lives.
Deleting the inconsequential creates a stillness that eventually becomes the foundation for our growth as individuals, and as a family. Withdrawing from the virtual world creates tranquility, which ultimately becomes the predominant vibe and way of being here. And our family NEEDS this right now. What about yours?
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Such great points and something I need to do especially during the chaotic holiday time. A few weekends I went out of town and while I was gone my iPad was stolen. I was left with no really useful connection to technology and though it frustrated me at the time, I looked back and realized it was actually a blessing that I got a break from technology!
Jackie recently posted..The Muppets Road Trip Game
Ah, a blessing in disguise! I know what you mean… it always urks me when we are with family, whether or not its a “special” occasion, and they are so distracted by their gadgets that they are missing all of the moments. Nothing is that important, you know what I mean?
A huge YES over here! We desperately need to hit our reset button. Too much time on the DS, too much time on the computer, and too much time watching TV. And for us, too much time letting outside stress do damage to our daily life. So while I won’t be able to go without electricity full on, I am striving for less technology (including turning the phones off) and less of the outside world for the moment. We both need to reset and get on a better path that takes care of us and not anyone else. It’s a work in progress and something I never feel I achieve the way I want to, but we try.
I think some people are able to get their heads on straight without having to forgo such things, but for us, its the first thing we need. Less technology, more beach = happy family.
A beautiful write-up!! Rich with wisdom for a young woman. Sofia, I was just thinking this weekend to disconnect my wall on facebook. Sometime you need to hide from the world and concentrate on yourself and family. As you rightly said, reset your button and as such redirect your priorities, to best function. I dont know how actors and actresses manage with the limelight of the media and fans…. Over the years I was previledged to meet a number of people in need of spiritual, financial, encouragements and directions, at some turning point in their lives both in Nigeria and here. But now over the years I have reached a point where I have become despondent. Asking myself why do I attract people in need. I dont have the means, nor the energy to support every need. But somehow they still find me. In the 1980s I had plans to open a charity to help single mothers to provide them with about 4 professional trainings in Nigeria and provide them with free nurseries for their babies, whiles on training. But somehow the project never took foots, and had to come to England. I have always wondered why did not God make the finances available to start the project. But yet HE keeps putting, “women in need” my way. With my age now, unless I win the Lottery I dont see this project ever happening. I always stumble on the bus on the train on the road on women in tears and cant just ignore them, and believe me or not I pull all of them out of despair. I become their “Agony Aunt!”. What do I do, I now need help!!!! as I am not getting younger and I have a soft heart….. Cant see people suffering…….. My kids call my new friends “My stray cats!!”, my kids are fedup with me. How long will God use me this way…..
Thank you, Tati Christiane. I can always count on you to support and encourage me in my endeavors, and it seems that many people count on you for the same.
I don’t know if I can offer any wisdom, but what I would like to do is point in the direction of a book that helped me understand my “role” in the big dream I have in starting an autism foundation. Its called The Dream Giver, by Bruce Wilkinson.
So very important to hit the reset button. Whether it’s taking a break from technology for a certain period of time during the day or taking a day away from technology… it’s so important.
Enjoy this technology-free time.
Jennifer recently posted..Christmas Owls
Thank you, Jennifer! I think my biggest dilemma is figuring out how my blog can be a part of my daily routine without it taking over, as it sometimes does. Do you have that problem? Especially with the pressure to promote it on every social networking site there is! I go through extreme phases and I need to work on having a balance. Any tips?
such a great idea.
We’ve flirted off and on with “No Tech Sunday.” I’m not sure where the idea originated. One full day a week where the tv remains off, the laptops tucked away, and the cell phones silenced. My favorite memories always develop on these kind of days.
laura emily recently posted..{ this moment }
I love that idea! I just love it! And you are right – the best things happen on those days that you can be truly present!
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