Generally, I’m glued to my computer every day. It’s my day job. It’s my writing job. I rarely take more than a few hours away, let alone a day. It’s unhealthy and I know it, but…
Anyway, Friday, I went to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. It’s one of my favorite places in the world, but it’s been about eighteen years since I last visited. Way too long! The last time I went, I took my fiancé and my little brother. It was over my brother’s Christmas break and there was a snow storm while we were there. This time, I have two kids—one a teenager—and I’m married to that fiancé. I wanted to share this place with my kids, all the wonder of it. There are so many ways to stretch the imagination and the brain. I wanted them captured by the magic just as I had been the first time I visited as a tenth grader.
And they were.
Days like Friday remind me that I need to take more time away. My job and my writing need my attention, but my family, spending time with them, is even more important. I have cool kids. I like to be with them.
So many of my friends are just like me. Their lives are tethered by the electronic leash. The computer. The internet. Email. You know there’s a problem when a few hours away makes you jittery. You wonder who’s emailed, what should you be doing that you’re not. Nothing!
We all need to take a step away and breathe and step outside—without laptops. From now on, I’m making more of an effort toward that direction. And maybe, I can start revisiting more of my favorite places in the world. There’s a legacy to be passed on, and if I don’t do it, who will?
4 comments:
You hit a chord with me. I"m trying to limit my e-mail time, but it's hard. On the one hand I don't do enough promo and on the other I do too much to have the writing time I need. What's a poor girl to do?
What a good blog, Brynn. You put your fingers on my problem. Guilt feelings if I am staying too long on the computer, and guilt feelings if I am not. I thought that once published, I would be able to relax and spend more time with the family. Wistful wish. I have way more commitments on the Internet than when I was a struggling writer. Still struggling as an author. And still torn between the writing, editing, promo, emails, blogs, chat, .... and my dear husband who stoically asks when or if things are ever going to improve, and the grandchildren who simply take my computer mouse and run away.
Wow! Your post hit home on so many levels Brynn. I'm guilty of being tied to the computer, between my day job and my writing. Maybe it's time to take a day just for the kids.
You mean...actually not have my fingers on a keyboard all day when I'm not interrupted by someone/something???
I need "get away" therapy!
Only kidding. You're right about stepping away and doing other things!
Nice blog.
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