Because I am on vacation this week, I've decided to re-post this blog post as a reminder to myself and others who struggle with the necessity of unplugging from technology and plugging into family. Enjoy…
As I was packing for vacation with my family I turned to my husband and said, "I think I have to take my computer with me…I don't have enough posts for the week!" My husband gently reminded me that my blog was all about the art of being relational and that unplugging while on vacation with family is a key componant of that. He then coyly asked, "Don't you think your readers want to know that you're walking the walk yourself?"
So I have seen the light:-). I will be going on vacation and yes, I will indeed be unplugging. No e-mails, no work calls, no posting…NADA! I've committed to being on vacation and fully present with my family both physically and emotionally. I figure this is one of the most relational gifts I can give them–and me this vacation.
Now I'd like to say this will be easy and I have no concerns, however, that wouldn't be completely honest. I'm quite aware that whenever I give my attention to one area, I take away from another area. Taking my attention away from work will impact my re-entry into work when I return. It's likely that I will have countless e-mails to answer upon my return, numerous phone messages to return, and at least a day or two of catch up. I'm also aware however, that my children and husband deserve to truly have me present. I also deserve to be truly present and enjoy a week of fun, sun (yes sun!!!!), and silly laughter with the greates gift I have been given–an amazing family.
I know I'm not the only person who struggles with unplugging or with being truly present with loved ones more often. This is a common issue in many families and if we don't stop to truly hear what our spouses, partners and children are saying to us on this issue, then we will miss the boat. Rather than hearing your partner's request to be more present as nagging, pressure, lack of understanding, I encourage you to step back and see them as a gentle reminder of what's important in life. See these requests as a gentle reminder from a source greater than ourselves (God, angel, energy etc.,) and take a moment to listen.
A few suggestions to help you unplug and be present::
1. Set up an automatic e-mail reply informing senders that I will be out of the office for the week and will not be returning e-mails until the week of the 24th (notice I said "week of the 24th", this means I don't have to kill myself to respond to all e-mails on that first day or two).
2. Changed your voice mail message informing people I will be away for the week and not returning calls until the week I return. (Leave a go-to person's name on the message if necessary).
3. Clear schedule as much as possible for the first two days you are returning; this allows time to catch up without you having to work late and again not having balance with family and work.
4. The week before leaving set up a system to help you with your transition back (i.e., pay bills, make bank deposits, inform clients ahead of time you will be leaving, etc.).
Unplugging is about putting your relationships and your families first. It's also about balance, good self care and moderation. I have never heard of anyone on thier death bed saying they wished they had spent more time working; hands down, they wish they had spent more time with thier families and thier children.
Don't wait untill your death bed to learn this lesson; by that time it's too late.
Challenge: Make a decision to create balance in your life and have your family be at the center–not the periphery. When going on vacations, be clear you are on vacation and BE PRESENT–for your family NOT your business associates.
NOTE: Due to vacation, this will be my last post this week. I will be back on-line next week with more relational tips. Until then have a great week!!