My children don’t care how many Twitter followers I have. My husband doesn’t enjoy spending time with me simply because my subscriber count went up or people like my new website. It doesn’t improve their life or increase their love for me. My friends will still like me whether my logo is green, blue, or completely nonexistent.
Why? Because my digital life is not my life. . .and neither is yours.
Your life is made up of real moments in time that include real human interaction. Your life is a living picture of your personal priorities.
I read a really convicting post this week from Sunny Mummy. Here’s a little snippet from it. You should really check out the whole thing:
Tell me, just how much time DO YOU spend online?
Whatever answer you came up with, you have probably grossly underestimated it.
You check email HOW MANY times per day?
You tweet, to people you don’t even know, about things that really don’t matter.
You update your status on Facebook and like it, when someone ‘LIKES’ it. If you find you are guilty as charged, I have news for you sunshine:
Your life is passing you by in one big ‘postupdatetweet-a-thon’ and your family is suffering!
Ouch! Did that hit anyone else where it hurts? If so, you’re not alone. We all need occasional reminders like these.
Step One: Admitting You Have a Problem
I have to admit that it’s hard for me to take time away from my digital life. My job lets me work from home, but it ties me to the computer for several hours a day. I have discovered how much I love writing for this blog. Plus, launching my first ebook really gave me an increased desire to want to write more. I’m also hoping to launch a project with my husband and one with my mom so I can develop other streams of income so I can quit working my current job. All of those things require time online. Most of those things I enjoy, but they all take up time from my real life.
So, I admit I have a problem. My kids think I’m always on my computer and I hate that. I know I need to change some things about how I work. I’ve been reading up on being mindful with your online time and how to incorporate digital sabbaticals in my life. However, just knowing I have a problem and even deciding what to do differently is not the same as doing anything about it.
Step Two: Pursue Your Real Life Priorities
I doubt seriously that anyone would name Twitter, Facebook, or even their blog as their real life priorities. Relationships are what truly matter. You already know what your priorities are, now it’s time to pursue them. Don’t just claim them, or talk about them, or sit around and dream about them. Do something about them TODAY!
Don’t sit around and wish you had more time. Take out your calendar and mark something off of it.
Do you wish you were happier? Stop wishing away your life. Do what you dream about when you’re doing something you hate.
Your children aren’t getting any younger. Tweeting about your kids is not the same as spending time with them. Turn on some music, dance around and be silly with them. (My kids think I’m insane when I do this. It’s great!) If your kids are older, stop what you’re doing and give them a call to ask about their day.
Just keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with having a life online or spending your time doing things you enjoy. Just don’t kid yourself into thinking those are the only elements that make up your life. Maybe it’s time to delete your Facebook account.
