If I am on the computer more than I am doing anything else, than I feel like that is too much. I'm not saying that I am competely neglecting the things in my life that are important. I bathe, I eat, I connect with the Littles. I do, however, neglect my home. I also neglect to get adequate exercise and I don't get out into nature like I feel I could. Is that craziness? In my opinion it is, but I don't seem to be in a big hurry to change.
In a perfect world I would spend equal amounts of time on the computer, connecting with my family, taking care of everyday tasks, getting physical exercise and connecting with nature. I'm not living in that perfect world. I am living in my world.
Do I like my world? I do. I feel blessed in so many ways. The way I see it, as long as my spirit is shining and my loved ones are happy then all is good. Yet even though I really like where I am in this world, I do recognize when change needs to occur. If I am beginning to feel uneasy by the amount of time I spend online, then change needs to occur.
That feeling of uneasiness will eventually turn into to guilt if I ignore it long enough. The feeling of guilt for me is a sure way to dim my shiny. As much experience as I have with feeling guilty, I have no problem recognizing it and all of its ugliness. So that is the thing I look for when I am trying to evaluate if I am doing something in excess. Am I feeling guilty or uneasy about what I'm doing? At this time, right now, I have to say that I am feeling some uneasiness. Not all out guilt, but I'm definitely beginning to question whether or not I am spending too much time in my virtual world.
So now the question is, do I want to change this? Am I prepared to lessen my time on the computer? I'm not coming up with a clear yes or no answer here. Even though I don't want to commit to an answer, I can do some things different today. I can get a few more things done around the house today and see how I feel at the end of the day. I can do that for a day.
This will actually be hard for me today, because I am currently very excited about looking into Reiki and chakra healing. When I have this much enthusiasm about something, it is hard for me to ignore it. So we will see how it goes.
I will be back with you tomorrow to let you know how the day went for me and to tackle my next question. Am I preferring my "virtual" life over my "real" life? Thank you for sharing this quiet time with me.
Just my thoughts.
5 comments:
Hey, Jill!
It's so funny that you added that comic, 'cause I was just telling Lori that's how I feel on many days. My hubby gets up and does a million things, then gets home from work and says, "What did you do today?" and I'm basically the woman in that caricature! ;)
But anyway, the thing that gets me is, since Hunter is homeschooled, he is always here when I'm on the computer. This means two things to me:
1. He's here and I'm not really spending time with him during those minutes (OK... hours!).
2. What kind of example am I setting? When I try to limit his "plugged in" time because it's not good for him, how much credibility do I really have? "Do as I say, not as I do."
If he went to school from 7 to 3, I'd use THAT time online, and not feel an ounce of guilt. I LOVE my online world (love, love, love!!). But he doesn't. And I'm sure not gonna send him off to school so I can indulge my addiction in private. Hence, the time has come for limits, or schedules, or something that I can't put my finger on yet... but I'm working on it. :)
I hear you. I caught myself not exercising and nipped it in the bud last week.
Today I went and picked up coffee for a friend and myself and we talked about everything but blogs etc. for 2 hours.
When my husband is home in the evening neither of us go on our computers.
I often wonder what I'd be doing with my extra time if there was no such thing as the internet!
Well, I'm not sure if my two cents 'counts' on this topic because I was thinking the same about myself. I was wondering if my time on the computer is to build something, or to ignore something. Perhaps at times it's a little of both. I find inspiration, encouragement, wisdom, humor online...but I also find that in my "real life". Online is almost a relief though because I can pick and choose what I'd like to research, what conversations I'd like to join, learn at my leisure..while "real life" only gives me the opportunity to jump right in.
I think if "guilt" is involved with anything, you are probably letting someone's opinion (perceived or stated) guide your decision.
I for one love that you're online:)
Lisis - My hubby knows better than to ask me that question. I've warned him of the response he would get. lol
Even when the kids were all in school, I still felt guilty. Only because the state of my cluttered home was only getting worse. Now I may be on the computer while they are here, but they know that I will help them if they need me. Well, maybe not on the first request, but definitely at some point. ;)
Yeah, I have more work to do.
Tess - I wonder that same thing. Today I limited myself and I did absolutely nothing. I know theres a balance in there somewhere.
Joy - Your two cents always counts, love. I agree with you on the whole "guilt" thing. I'll discuss that later. Thanks for being you.
It's a hard question to ponder. I specifically took about a little over a week away from blogging because I realized it is sometimes an escape from the real world for me, and I wanted to face everything during my short retreat.
That being said, it is different for everyone. There are times when the real world just seems too overwhelming, and someone or something on the internet offers peace and calm. We all hide once in a while, and cannot face everything everyday every moment.
Is there something you are hiding from? Do you have the support in real life to face it? If someone on the internet offers wise and loving support, take it. Especially if it helps you to face your real life with more courage and ease.
May you find the right balance.
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