Normally we leave our fairly ancient computer running all the time, but last night I decided to turn it off at bedtime to save electricity. Imagine my surprise this morning when I got up early to do my regular computer things (check Etsy shop and print invoices, check email, read blogs etc.) and the computer wouldn't start at all. It just gave me an error message.
So until we could figure out how to fix it, we actually had to do without the computer. For a whole day--imagine! It felt strange to not know what was going on in our online shop especially, but you know what? I had an excellent morning. I didn't feel as rushed as usual, the housework got done quickly, and the children's school lessons were all finished before lunch (which rarely happens).
Our computer problem was fixed this evening, and obviously I am glad because we use this machine an awful lot, to run our family business and simply to communicate with the outside world. I would never want to do without it. But, it was a good lesson for me today to have to do without it. It made me see that a lot of my apparent lack of time really comes from spending too much time in front of this screen. It reminded me of the importance of balance. (Actually, I thought I learned this lesson back in the spring during digital detox week, but I guess I needed a reminder).
So from now on, I resolve to turn the computer off after breakfast, and spend the morning and afternoon focusing on the children and on my housework. Only when the kids go out to play in the afternoon will I turn it back on. I really want to stick to this, so wish me luck!
Luck... This is something I often try to do...but it is so tempting to see what is going on in the world while the kids are independently working.
Posted by: Citysister | November 5, 2010 at 07:22 AM