It was so much easier than I imagined, which caught me by surprise. Like many technology-dependent-home-office-types, my virtual connection to the world is the driving force of my business. As such, my self-imposed break from all things “technology” made me feel nervous as I planned a 9-day getaway with my husband and youngest son. Little did I know that after my technology sabbatical, I would reluctantly drag myself back to my desk and keyboard.
I think there’s a message here for me.
Obviously, I needed a break. In my daily life, I was feeling consumed by too many connections; too many open-ended communications needing a response. My various social media venues needed new content. Key projects stalled while I wiffle-waffled with important considerations and decisions.
Moment of truth: Just like my #sabbatical, all these things I thought I needed, were self-imposed.
— sheila callaham (@SheilaCallaham) April 9, 2015
Honestly, I’m pretty sure no one even realized I had stepped away, so busy the rest of the world is with lives of constant demands and interaction. I’m also pretty sure I didn’t lose a million-dollar deal because I delayed any important decisions. And while I turned off technologically, I turned on in other areas.
I danced more.
I met and socialized with new people.
I explored my surroundings.
Most importantly, I spent quality time with family, laughing at hubby and son’s silly jokes. I listened to Benny Goodman play jitterbug music with my almost 92-year-old mother-in-law. I had heart-to-heart talks with my dad, who joined us for a few days.
When I returned home, I did so with a renewed sense of peace. I looked around and noticed how green the grass had turned. I noticed the redbuds were in full spectacular beauty, their lavender flowers lighting up the brown and grays of the woods. The dogwoods stood ready to open their tightly-clustered white bracts to add to the show.
Note to self: take more breaks. Be more than a casual observer of the natural beauty around you. Spend less time on the computer and more time in the moment.
Because my resistance to jumping back into my working world was so strong, I took an extra day off to play in the yard. I transplanted a couple of rose bushes. I cleaned and polished the serenity fountain. I played with my five dogs, all of whom made quite the fuss over me.
Yes, I’m a big proponent of goals and aspirations — after all, I’ve written a book about them! However, I’m also a proponent of stepping away when you need a break and taking an opportunity to gain a clearer perspective of the world around you.
How about you? Do you limit or restrict technology during your holidays? If so, what is your takeaway? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.
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