When Can You Get Off the Web?
Almost every year during the last two weeks of August, I go to my beach house in Michigan for an end of summer vacation. It is a time that I look forward to every year. We have lots of family and friends visit. Since I am an all or nothing guy, I either like to work all of the time or not be on the grid at all. So during these two weeks, I don’t use my cell, text, email, newspapers or any social media applications. It’s the only way I can truly get away.
What does it feel like without the web, a computer and a phone?
My brain slows down. My world gets a lot smaller. I don’t have to accomplish or acquire anything. I can focus on the books I am reading (I read 5 in two weeks) and the people that come visit us. We have long conversations and talk about topics that we would never have time for in a 45 minute lunch, an email or tweet. We spend time actually preparing meals together and eating slowly. We stop to watch the sunset. Nature affects our lives.
It’s great not to wear long pants or even shorts with pockets since there nothing to carry with you.
All of this can do a lot to shift your perspectives. Allow you some “mini” enlightenments. We all need this. When will you leave your computer and phone at home?
As I sift through my emails, there are things that I missed in the two weeks I was gone. There are some missed business opportunities. But what I gained? Priceless, as they say.
More on that after I answer the 4,987 emails that were waiting for me on my return.
Not only can you get off the web, you should, for exactly the reasons you mentioned. When your brain is not constantly entertained with input, it has time to free associate and make random connections. That’s where the big ideas come from.
Right on Barry! I found that my work/life was out of balance after my youngest son flushed my Blackberry down the toilet to get my attention. After a year sabbatical from the Blackberry, I have started to accept it back into my life, on my terms. As far as the 4,987 e-mails, I recommend “Select All” and then Delete. If it is important, they will find you again…they always do!