Unplugged

Recently, I found myself in a place where I ultimately became too available to everyone at anytime.  I love technology, don't get me wrong.  It's just that emails, text messages, voice mails and phone calls have been bombarding me. Who knows if these communications where mainly positive in nature, if I would now have a different view point... but getting communication after communication of news that hasn't been on the positive side... I've decided I've needed to "unplug" a bit from my life.

I don't want to be reached by every person under the sun when I'm in the grocery store or dentist office. I don't want to be on my phone when I'm on the road driving, setting a bad example for my kiddos. I don't want to be trying to talk to case workers or guardian ad litems from the school parking lot and feel rushed through a conversation so I can be on time to pick up my kids. I can even say that I miss the days when I could actually return someones phone call at my convenience. 

I completely understand that I could become more self disciplined and ignore the green flashing light on my cell phone that signals that I have a communication... but for me, the not knowing what it is... well, it's like a present under the Christmas tree that I have to figure out. So they only other option I could find, was to become more "unplugged".

But don't worry, I can't go cold turkey on everything.  I have made my cell phone number the "HOME PHONE" number now.  (It's just goes to a cell phone that sits on top of our microwave).  It's the phone I don't take with me out of the house.  So the dentist, doctors, and business can leave those messages there.  Sure, I can still call "home" to check messages, but I won't have to deal with it when I'm out and about.  I can deal with it in the privacy of my home and when I have time and energy to deal with it.  I have a different cell phone number now.  The phone that is for emergencies or for friends.  But it isn't the number that I'll give to just anyone.

You know what?  I have found that I have more time for other things. I also have found that in many ways, I've feel less stressed and happier. Being unplugged, even if for a short time, isn't always a bad thing.