I haven’t been motivated to write or blog much since the tragedy in Newton happened. At first I thought it was out of mourning for all the lost souls, now I realize that the event has changed me. I finished my blogging obligations before the holidays and that was about it. Originally, I planned on going all sorts of hard core on my blog and starting a new one in the New Year. The passion just isn’t there for me. I love blogging and how far I’ve come. I love my family more. Social media is an exciting place where you are never alone. You become friends with people you would have never have met before and some people even become social media stars. I wonder at times if social media junkies ever truly enjoy their family or if they just enjoy posting about them. At field day at my son’s school last year it seemed as if there was huge amount of parents watching the events through their phones. Probably taking video or posting photos for all to see, but my question is, “Were they really there?” “Did they experience the day as I did?” The same thing happened this year at the Christmas pageant. I could barely get a photo of my son because of all the iPads being held in the air to “capture” the moment. Is there really a moment to capture if you weren’t even present?
This led me to think about my life and where I find joy. Is it in the sharing, the memories or the present? I made it a strict rule to limit my screen/phone time when my boys are home. I don’t blog on the weekend unless it’s scheduled or at night. I value my time with them and I don’t need any distractions. Maybe you’ll think to yourself, ” Well, that’s why you’re a mediocre blogger with a modest following and not a superstar.” True, but I get by and let’s just face it, I get to have my cake and eat it too. My joy is found in the simple things in life. The smell of my sons’ hair, the smiles on their faces and their wet slobbery kisses. That’s where my joy lives. Newton reminded me of that and I have been haunted by it. I know every bump and birthmark on my boys. My life is rich in the moments. I haven’t been able to write because I’ve been searching for joy outside of what I already have right in front of me. The thought of a threat taking my joy was too much for me to bare.
So, I’m back, I’m writing and I’m challenging you to find your joy. Is it really in posting about what type of coffee you had in the morning or is it in grinding the beans and smelling the coffee for all it’s richness? You decide. I dare you to unplug. Trust me the present is so much more exciting than posting about it. ( Trust me- I post!)
Well said…