I just ordered a sign. I'm not sure exactly where I will hang it but I'm thinking maybe outside the front door. Here's what it says: Please turn your cell phone, ipad, ipod or any other electronically connected devices off. If you feel you cannot go without texting, checking email or facebook or taking calls, please come visit us another time. By the end of the holidays I was ready to toss every cell phone user out of my home. What is with the need to be plugged in or connected every second? From my 16 year old granddaughter to my 33 year old daughter to my brother to my friends, the electronic device seemed to be permanently attached to their hands.
Am I being unreasonable? No. Am I that boring to them? Well, that is another question all together. Am I guilty of excessive cell phone/internet use? Ok, now that is getting a bit too close to home. I do have to admit that there are times when I text or answer texts that could very well wait. I know I am not doing it as an intentional slight to those around me and yet that is exactly what it feels like when you are on the receiving end of it.
And here is the other thing I've noticed. The more plugged in I am, the more I have to do, the busier I am. One text leads me to think of contacting someone else, who suggests another possibility and before I know it an hour has gone by.
Does any of this land for you? I've begun this year by asking myself if the busy-ness I complain about or the busy-ness that keeps me from being better balanced or more focused on self care isn't just my own self-destructive choices reminding me of their consequences.
From now on checking email on weekends will be done once a day only. It's a small step but it is a step. And no more non urgent texting at any time! OMG. I can feel the withdrawl pains already. I guess that sign should go in my office, huh?
Signing off,
Nancy
Nancy Leport is a certified life coach and certified PeopleMap Trainer. She can be reached at nleport@frontiernet.net, 585-768-4684 or by going to www.nancyleport.com. And if you try to reach her on the weekend, be patient. She only checks her phone and email once a day!
