Unplug from the World & Plug Into Yourself
Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, Instagram, Snapchat, Pinterest. The list of social media platforms goes on and on. All good—if you want to stay connected. Not so much, if your goal is to disconnect.
In a world of phone, text, email, push notifications, and 24/7 news cycles, the chatter is constant so it’s tough to unplug from the world—and plug in to yourself. What do I mean?
I’ve noticed bits and pieces of myself being lost when I’m too busy listening to the world and responding to it. Gone are some of the things I’ve loved doing in the past; jumping on my bike, martial arts work outs, photography. Maybe it’s because I spend so much time writing, working, or maybe it’s because I’ve been so distracted by the world and everything spinning out of control in it—and I don’t mean just recent distractions; the virus, the economy, and social unrest.
In his book, Keep Going (10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad), author and artist Austin Kleon says, “What’s clear is that it’s healthiest if we make a daily appointment to disconnect from the world so we can connect with ourselves.” This “me time” isn’t selfish or self-serving. It’s intended to refresh and refuel us to remain creative—and pursue our passions.
It occurs to me that I need to do more of what I love doing—and more of what I’ve loved doing.
“When we do what we love doing,
we rediscover a piece of ourselves.”
What bits and pieces of yourself have been lost, or buried, due to busyness or being too plugged in to the world?
Pick up that guitar, jump on that bike, write that poem, pack for that hike, pull out that palette, paintbrush, and canvas, upgrade that camera, lift those weights, jog that mile, plant those flowers, carve that wood, sew that quilt, till that garden, sit at that piano, and write that song.
When you take the time to do what you love doing, or loved doing, you not only rediscover yourself, you recover a part of yourself.
Do what you love to do—because that may be what you were made to do. In his book, Cure for the Common Life, bestselling inspirational author Max Lucado says, “Look back over your life. What have you consistently done well? What have you loved to do? Stand at the intersection of your affections and successes and find your uniqueness.” And, I’ll wager, you’ll find happiness at the same intersection.
You'll find this “intersection” when you take time to unplug from the world—and plug in to yourself.
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