A Week Away

So I was radio-silent last week during my staycation. OK, so I didn't completely unplug. I still carried and used my Blackberry and logged onto my laptop occasionally to check email. But what was different for me was that I NEVER checked my work email or work phone. I decided that it was all going to be there when I got back, so no need to deal with any of it.

In this age where I practically have my Blackberry implanted on my hip, I think it is getting harder and harder to unplug. Even the most deliberate attempts to put down the electronic devices are met with frosty messages from people trying to get in touch with me. I am always amazed at the number of folks who talk on the phone while they drive despite the fact that it is against the law in California. I am also amazed at the number of people on their phones in grocery stores, at sporting events, and so on.

What I am getting at, is that I think we have lost the ability to turn off the world and be on vacation or staycation. How often during the week do we really turn everything off and just let ourselves be? Take the dog for a walk, go play with someone, even read a book! I think this is something I need to cultivate more going forward. All work and no play makes me uninteresting and not very happy.