I love this quote more than words can say. As an avid joy-chooser, I think it’s important to be hyper aware of joy-stealers. Comparison is definitely one of them, and for me, social media is often the culprit. Remember life before Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and Pinterest? When we all had razor flip phones and spent our free time hanging out in person and the only evidence of our daily lives existed through photos from our disposable cameras? I do. I remember that life. It was a simple life. Nobody knew where I was or what I was doing. My personal style was determined by me and only me…and maybe an occasional issue of Seventeen Magazine.
And now? Sometimes it feels like my whole life is consumed by my cell phone and computer. It’s how I make a living, schedule appointments, relay information to others, record memories, maintain friendships (to a certain extent), and even journal. It’s probably safe to say that without my cell phone and computer (and now iPad!), I’d feel rather lost. And yet, I’m longing to be lost. In a book. Or in a garden. Or at the beach. Or any place where I can touch things and hear things and not squint my eyes at a backlit screen.
I’ve heard of people doing digital detoxes, and Brett and I even tried it one weekend, but I think I’m ready to take this a step farther. I want to dedicate 24 hours a week to unplugging. No cell phone, no laptop, no iPad, no e-mails or tweeting or facebooking or pinning. I’m thinking Friday 5:00pm-Saturday 5:00pm. Just think of all the reading and cleaning and gardening and juicing and cooking I could accomplish in that time, with no silly internet distractions to disturb me. I COULD BE A SUPER-WIFE (!!!!!).
Well, for the next six weeks anyways. And then I’ll have a whole new wonderful distraction on my hands (who will, undoubtedly, help me stay off the internet). But in the meantime, I’m going to give it a try. What’s the worst that could happen? (Actually, the worst that could happen would be getting tagged in a horribly unflattering photo on facebook and then not being aware of it for 24 hours….can someone please be on the lookout from Friday-Saturday night? Kidding. Sort of.)
Do you need a digital detox? Care to join me for 24 hours a week?
You’re an amazing writer, Ashlee. I, on the other hand, am not. I’m a only a blogger because I have some things to get off my chest. But certainly not because I have a gift for words. But you do. Wow! I was just thinking about this very topic today. It’s truly amazing how much time we waste (I mean, spend) in the digital world. I’m with you. Starting tomorrow. At 5pm. And I’m going to repost this post and link back if that’s okay with you?
Jessica´s last [type] ..life from my perspective
I’m in! Tomorrow at five through Saturday at five I’m DIGITAL-FREE! =]
Sarabell´s last [type] ..Sarabell for Prez 2012.
Seriously girl… I know what you mean! I have been trying to stay off the internet on weekends but not every weekend has gone so well. And today I started thinking about unsubscribing to every single blog I subscribe to just to force myself to read actual books again. Le sigh.
Lesley´s last [type] ..More than you’ll ever know
This post is amazingly timely as I lay in bed on my phone when I should be sleeping. I was just thinking of how consumed with my digital world I’m in and how to get out of it without doing something drastic. However 24 hours sounds do able! Thou living alone I’d keep my phone on. But shutting down apps? Yes I think so!
Loved this and have definitely thought about a digital sabbatical, but wait, what? You want me to get off the Internet for 24 hours? Tomorrow? I am not prepared for this. (Are we ever?) I have to think this over, but I definitely wouldn’t mind some “free time” for other things
San´s last [type] ..The science of sleep, or something
i think the 24 hour detox is a great idea.i am going to try it…soon
Ab.so.freakin.lutely. I hate being so connected all the time and bombarded but it’s hard to avoid when all your work is done over the Internet. I try to take one day each week (usually Sat or Sun) to unplug and just read, clean, organize or sit on the couch without a device in my hand. And also on days right after large deadlines (after a recent all-nighter, I took a full 3 days off of doing ANYTHING…my brain needed to recoup). Bravo to you for sitting it out! It gets easier and easier, trust me.
Now I don’t even think twice about not checking my email for a day (if that day is Saturday or Sunday).
Angeline´s last [type] ..Internships: The best and the worst
Oops, I should mention, I do keep one device around on unplugged days: the iPad for my Kindle app. So many books, so little time!
Angeline´s last [type] ..Internships: The best and the worst
Unplugging is the best feeling ever! And thanks for that quote – SO needed to read it today!
Becky´s last [type] ..No wine, all love
Facebook actually does this thing now where you have to approve posts/pictures people tag you in before they post to your wall, which I love! But anyways, that’s besides the point – I think this is a great idea! I’m going to join you!
Caroline´s last [type] ..365 days
I totally love this and just wrote about a similar feeling recently! I deactivated my Facebook a few months ago but that doesn’t keep me off twitter and Pinterest.
I write this on my phone as we are heading out to Bodega bay for the day. A little detox! And I love the super-wife part 
enjoy your detoxed Saturday, girl!!
I completely agree with you and have been challenged to also take a step back like you have! Once a week is a wonderful idea! You have inspired me…to be super wife…but also be more available to people and things I truly want to spend my time on!
Stumbled upon your blog on KCRA and wanted to come by and say hi as I am also a Sac area blogger! I blog about the home, being a wife, and a bit of DIY! Fun to meet another local blogger!
Especially now that I work so much, and do so much of that work online, offline time has become an incredibly important part of my life. Cooking, working out & diving into books in the evenings are some of my favorite things. I will definitely join you!
Our culture’s need to be constantly connected is tiring after awhile. Josh and I were just talking about this! I wonder if our children will want anything to do with our social networking sites and constant glances at our iPhones. How can Facebook be cool if we, their parents, have been on it for years?
Faith´s last [type] ..The Hunger Games
Oooh this is such a good idea! I think I’m going to have to try this. A little break sounds nice