So this is a topic at the forefront of my mind right now, and not just because of this article at Mormon Women: Who We Are. Actually, it's really on my mind all the time. How can I use the internet wisely in ways that don't interfere with my family roles and responsibilities, and my spiritual priorities? If you are reading this, you, too, are on the internet at least enough to stumble on my pretty obscure blog. So, would you take just a second and share how you work to keep that balance? I love the internet for so many reasons, but it's all too easy to let it take over more of my time than it should.
Me? Right now my goal is to essentially stay off the internet when my kids are home and awake. That's my goal. I've set this goal before and not done well, but I really feel like I need to draw some hard lines so my fam can know and feel that they matter more. It's all too easy to say, "Just a second, sweetheart...."
So, please share what works for you.
I've found I use the computer to self-medicate when I feel overwhelmed or frustrated. (That and chocolate!) Recognizing the triggers helps some. I actually blogged a list of seven ways to keep the computer from ruling your life—something I need to start working on again.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated the MT article, too. It reminded me that I did feel a sense of stewardship (or perhaps a personal ministry) with my blog once upon a time, and I need to feel that way again or re-evaluate it long-term. Thanks for sharing the article!
Well, I have so much free time on my hands due to a husband that is never home and kids that have flown the nest that taking too much blogging time is not much of an issue for me.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I did sort of binge-write two books while my kids were still living at home, so I do know the problem of having kids at home and having to keep yourself away from the computer. In order to keep things running well, I had to do most of my writing after bedtime and early in the morning. Fortunately, I was younger then and giving up a couple of hours of sleep wasn't as painful as it would be now,
Blogging definitely has a component to it that makes the whole thing hard to resist. It's probably a good idea to take blog breaks once in awhile to see if the diversion has progressed to addiction. I did that once and actually loved the freedom of not checking in. But I should do it again to make sure I can still leave it behind for a few days painlessly.
Great, thought-provoking post!
=)