If we were to hear these words about 15 years ago, we would assume that it meant to keep in touch with friends and family. Since the internet has taken over, these words took on a whole new meaning. We always want to make sure that we can get “on line”, wherever we go. It determines which cafes we go to and which hotels we stay in. It didn’t seem too long ago that cell phones were only used for calling and texting, but now we can access anything we want through our phones, at all times.
In my opinion, the more “connected” we get, the more disconnected we become with our friends, our family and ourselves. Have you ever been in a conversation with someone when you notice that their eyes are starting to drift down to check their phone? I often see people out for dinner and the entire group are focussed on their phones. Even when we’re alone, rather than just enjoying the quiet time, we are glued to our computers and phones. We spend more time checking social media sites and following people we barely know than we do with our good friends.
One thing is for sure – technology is only going to get more advanced. As much as we often resist it, eventually we’ll have to roll with it or we’ll get left behind. The best way to keep yourself centred…set some ground rules. If you check your emails every 15 minutes, try to leave more time before you check them again. If you are constantly surfing the internet, allow yourself specific times to go on line. Rather than read a newspaper or magazine on line, enjoy the real thing. It feels much nicer to sit in a park, cafe or backyard and enjoy a leisurely morning with a coffee or tea, rather than staring at a screen. Ask yourself what changes you can make which might help you feel more connected with yourself today.
