Technology has tired me, how do I live in the world but not of it? 1

I am tired.

So tired, that I can barely type these words.

Technology has made me tired this year and I am raising my white flag and admitting defeat.

Each year around October the noise of technology and life tend to wear me down. This year I am aching for a holiday more than ever.

Does technology make you tired?

Does the noise of the world’s thoughts and opinions feel overwhelming?

Steven Speilberg one of the most prolific creators of our time says this about technology and our fatigue.

“Technology can be our best friend, and technology can also be the biggest party pooper of our lives. It interrupts our own story, interrupts our ability to have a thought or a daydream, to imagine something wonderful, because we’re too busy bridging the walk from the cafeteria back to the office on the cell phone.”

I have a friend who has never had a facebook account and despite the constant pressure from family and friends, she refuses to give in. Her answer is often this “I have an addictive personality and if I turned it on once, then my family would loose me.”

Personally, as the Novice Mum of two small children, my blog, social media and our online world has been my absolute lifeline. I have met so many new friends, I have found answers and I have connected deeply with God.

Technology has helped me find my voice. Through writing, connecting with like-minded people, by simply just agreeing with blog writers like those from Kinwomen and realising I am not alone.

How do we withdraw occasionally to recreate the privilege of quiet?

Each year in the month of November, before the barrage of Christmas and after the intensity of a busy year, I turn off my computer, my phone, and my social media feeds and have a month unplugged. I have done this for the last three years and it has become the foundation point of my reflection for the New Year that is coming.

For the last twelve years on New Year’s Eve, I have asked myself these same questions and over the years, the answers have been a profound part of my yearly sabbath.

“Abstinence is the mother of health. A few ounces of privation will prove an excellent recipe for any ailment.”
John Eudes.

When was the last time you said no to something good, so you could say yes to something great?

When we say no, we reframe who is the master of our technology gluttony. We all need space to redefine who we are outside of a screen. We all need to find our sense of self, outside of what others say about us.

I am looking forward to my reset November.

My technology sabbath.

How about you? When was the last time you turned social media, your screens, and the online world off so that you can reset spiritually for the coming season?

Amanda launches her next book on December 1, Dear Single Self. Jump over to her website order one of the pre-release copies today.