A month ago, I decided I needed some time out from the online world... it felt as though I was juggling one too many things and so I cut out my use of technology and social media pretty much altogether. A handful of minor health issues one after another left me needing some time away and space to take things easy... I stopped writing blog posts or reading other favourite blog reads. Weeks passed without me logging into Instagram or sharing photos of my own. Emails were checked on the weekend only and left sitting unanswered in my inbox. My laptop remained shut and I didn't go near the iPad for weeks. Photos taken were few and far between (especially when our camera decided to play up).
My self-imposed hiatus was so refreshing. I focused on myself and my little family, on restful days and simple pleasures. And while there were no pretty photos to browse through and no inspiring words to soak up, there were other benefits to be gained from my screen free break... disappearing for a little spell filled my days with so much more in so many ways.
With June on our doorstep, I'm looking forward to finishing off the first half of this year in a more balanced way... and hopefully continuing to do so over the coming months, focusing on what really matters in our days and what really matters to me...
I have missed your beautiful posts my friend. I am so sorry to hear that you have not been feeling the best I do hope that you are feeling much better now. At times I had wished that I did not decide to do the 365 project because I would like a break but even when I don't post I am terrible and always look online so I do admire your restraint:) I also decided to stop instagram because I wasn't disciplined, I miss it though:) Lovely to see you back here. Take care. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks lovely... will look forward to having a good catch up on your posts soon xx
DeleteGood luck finding your balance. I've just given blogging away and am enjoying my free time. Especially on the weekends.
ReplyDeleteStepping back a bit from the online world is so refreshing and brings a while new perspective. My blog means so much to me, but fb and the like really are such time wasters. x
ReplyDeleteI''m not on Facebook fortunately. With Instagram, I just allow myself to scroll through when I have a cuppa at morning tea time for about fifteen minutes and then once the girls are tucked into bed, I sometimes scroll through it again at night before a good block of screen-free time. That's it for me. I've learnt not to worry about the posts I miss and to just enjoy the ones I do manage to see :)
DeleteI'm sorry to hear about the health issues that you experienced, but I'm glad that you found a respite from the world of technology. Good for you! I know I feel a lot better when I step away from the computer. I think we are all too addicted to technology, and I'm afraid for our youngsters and what it's going to do to them. Many of them are going to grow up conversing online rather than face-to-face. It's scary. I hope you continue to maintain your balanced lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteClaudia
I've never been a big technology user, there are only a few times in my day where I do a quick Instagram scroll or a few blog reads. I'm not one of those people who is constantly checking things on my phone and so on. Just a few small snippets a day are it for me. I'm also not a big television watcher either. However, having a complete break was so lovely and I loved getting stuck into other hobbies like reading and crafting. I wouldn't hesitate to have a break again down the track xx
DeleteI hope all is smooth sailing for you for the next half of the year. i miss seeing your blog pop up in my reader but totally understand the time away needed every now and then xx
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better, it can be so hard finding the right balance sometimes. Good to see you here again though :)
ReplyDeleteAlways good to take a break! Glad it wasn't for too long though! ;)
ReplyDeleteI missed you!
ReplyDeleteAt the moment the internet is the only thing keeping us in contact with the real world and so I need it!!
Totally understand the striving for balance though
xx
It sounds utterly wonderful and I feel the exact same way, as you know :-) I admire people who can regulate their online worlds so easily but I often feel like I need a complete break to be able to focus on the real world...Mel xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Amanda,
ReplyDeleteIm a first time visitor to your blog. Lovely to find you, your writing is lovely. I totally understand about having a break, I had one a month or so ago, and I loved being able to read and do other things of an evening xx