Outdoor Hammock by Royal Botania

Some of my online friends pointed out that I was “disconnected” and MIA for 5-6 days. I really had no idea. By no means, did I plan to take a break from the web during the first days of the year. I got caught up with people, conversation, and social events.

And I am so glad I did.

Did I miss being online? No.
Did I consider going online? No.
Did the “break” have an effect on me? Yes.

Becoming unconsciously unplugged was an unexpected gift. My mind, body, and spirit received the adequate rest to welcome the New Year with new energy and a renewed focus.

Truth is, I did not feel withdrawn from what was happening on the Twitter stream or the live feeds on Facebook.

In fact, I felt more connected with others and myself.

This small break reminded me, that even tough I appreciate and love my online community; it is incapable of replacing face-to-face conversation and the warmth of human interaction.

So, I’ve added another resolution for this New Year: spend less time online and more time offline.

How will I accomplish this?

1. Share my resolution publicly (just did).
2. Have my personal coach keep me accountable.
3. Set limits/boundaries: spend a maximum of 3 hrs a day online.
4. Stay off the computer on Saturdays.
5. Set rules, measure, and monitor my time online. (Still working on details/software)
6. Try to use the phone more rather than texting/emailing/tweeting/FB messaging.

That’s it for now. I am sure more practical ideas will come to mind as I figure out what works best.

What do you do to monitor the time you spend online?

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5. Connect with *this* moment!