When I’m asked to submit a 2-3 sentence bio for myself, I generally include a phrase like “social media addict.” In fact, that’s included under my photo on the sidebar of this site. I wouldn’t actually consider myself an “addict” but…I do spent a lot of my time on Facebook, Twitter and other social media networks sharing my life. And it’s not something that I generally go without.
I’ve heard about the National Day of Unplugging before, and remember Elizabeth Drescher’s really good article that referenced it two years ago: “Turn Off, Slow Down, Drop In: The Digital Generation Reinvents the Sabbath.” I haven’t participated before, and generally have found good excuses (at least “I” thought they were good) not to join in.
But Sarah challenged me to do it this year (she knows me well, she said “it’d give you something to blog about after!”), and I’m taking up the challenge. So from sundown on Friday, March 1st to sundown on Saturday, March 2nd, I’ll be unplugging. I’ll be off Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ (ha). My phone will be off (unless I need it for an emergency). My computer and iPad will be turned off and put away. The only thing I might use is my Kindle, but it will only be to read (I don’t have a fancy Kindle Fire, so the only thing I do on my Kindle is read).
And yes, I’ll probably blog about it once it’s over.
But I am unplugging to be with my family. I’m unplugging to be present at home, present with Sarah and not be distracted. I’m unplugging to spend a day with Caleb without worrying about capturing the perfect photo of him smiling, or stacking blocks or doing something cute. I’ll just be with him.
Are you going to unplug for 24 hrs this year?