As much as I claim that my weekly photo hikes are a much-needed, much-anticipated break that allow me to get away from my daily routine, I don’t actually, completely… disconnect.
I take photos with my smartphone, posting them to Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I check emails, I Google places to go. When I have the chance to simply bask in the glory of being outdoors, rain or shine, I can’t seem to cut that electronic umbilical cord.
This weekend will be different. My phone will only be used for providing background music and GPS tracking, maybe a compass.
Thin spiral notebook 
And just where is that balance? If we disconnect too much we run the risk of isolating ourselves. But with so many tools to stay connected, the obligations stack. My new post (up a day early) talks more about this because of my forced sabbatical from the internet due to my laptop fritzing and being at a house with no other back-up options. Yet what if that continued for a whole year? What then?
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When I recently went on a roadtrip with my dad, I was practically internet deprived for six days. I was apoplectic. The only contact I had was on my iPhone. I can’t believe that a few short years ago, I didn’t have a smartphone, no laptop, and now I can’t seem to go a week without going into withdraw. I’d be a blithering idiot if I had to go without those connects for a year.
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I like the idea of cutting the cord. There are so many distractions in this world.
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It was actually easier than I thought it would be. Having my little dog with me and camera with me, kept me too busy to check my emails and social media accounts. I think I’ll take her with me more often.
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That is such a unusual pick… Nicely done !
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Sounds lovely! I need a weekend like that; soon.
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On my vacation I essentially cut myself off. It wasn’t that big a deal. My husband (who is always giving ME grief for how much I am on the internet or email) checked HIS email everyday, sometimes twice. I found it amusing. When I pointed it out however he got angry.
Hypocrite much?
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I recently went on a trip with my Dad and was without reliable internet for six days. It pissed me off. I’m hoping since disconnecting is my idea and not something I have no control over, it won’t be so difficult.
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I would love to be able to disconnect from the world for just a short time! I wish you luck with that this weekend!
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Thanks, I hope it will be easier than I think it will be.
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Ooooh – and I love the cord in your kite!
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I thought the tail on this kite was very cool, especially against the pale blue sky.
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Thee electronic things are so completely woven into the fabric of our lives, “disconnect” may be possible – but only temporary.
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I’ll still carry my phone with me just because it does my GPS tracking (helps me find my way back to my car when out hiking) and so I can check in with my peeps (Hubs like to know I’m okay when I’m gone for hours.) I don’t think I could totally disconnect.
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I am disconnecting next week too! Enjoy!!
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I knew it was a problem when I couldn’t go five minutes without checking messages. I really do need to step back and just enjoy my ‘me time.’
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I hear you entirely!!! Love the shot.
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Thanks! A disconnect will be hard, but I need to try it.
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