Yesterday I spent the day at my mom’s house. I had 4 chores: mow mom’s backyard, move some furniture to my sister’s new place (I have a truck), install a new printer/fax machine and grill the burgers and hot dogs for the family cookout.
As I’m installing the printer in mom’s home office, I can’t help but eavesdrop on the conversation in the other room. My mom and sister are talking about a friend who is always texting or Facebooking (did I just use Facebook as a verb?). They’re talking about how this friend won’t put down their iPhone or BlackBerry for a regular, relaxed conversation. They’re talking about how social media and smart phones are addictive and can interfere with a person’s life. I’m sure you know someone like the person being talked about. Is it you?
It wasn’t me. I’m an advocate of these new gadgets and tools. But I don’t want my e-mails, Twitter and Facebook or any other “social media” with me 24/7. I want to give focused attention to people or a project without being interrupted by a tweet, an e-mail and a Facebook friend request. I want face-to-face people time and no-gadget time.
I was unplugged yesterday. I didn’t check Twitter. I didn’t check Facebook. I didn’t check LinkedIn. I didn’t check my e-mail. Did I miss anything? Yep. I did.
I missed a mention on Twitter. I missed a really good blog post by a friend. I also missed an interview that was scheduled with a LinkedIn contact (I screwed-up and scheduled something on Labor Day – oops). But it was worth it.
We had a hoard of kids, all under five, running, laughing, squealing and tugging on me. They wore me out. And I loved it.
I enjoyed the noisy meal. I enjoyed sitting and talking with family. It also felt good helping my mom and sister. My work “to-do” list was un-touched. And it was good.
Sincerely,
Doug Stewart
“Giving You the Power to Fight the Big Boys!”
