Please Excuse Us: we were in the present

photo: blog lovin

We decided to do something crazy this holiday season: we put our phones down, and we even lived to tell the tale. Now we are here to tell you why we think you should follow suit when it comes to living in your big moments...or even the small ones. Here is what happens when you choose to be present:

1. Your focus shifts. I never realized how much social media defines us now, until I took a step back from it. Instead of worrying about sharing my "moments" and getting the perfect picture of it, I just found absolute joy in the moment. I was finally able to focus on the people I was with, and just being truly with them.

2. You re-learn what eye contact is. There is no haven from social media and cell phones these days. By making an effort to not have my phone in front of me every second of every day, I was able to actually look at the people I was with...I know crazy concept right?! If you want to date your phone be my guest, but if you want to hang out with me put the phone away.

3. You will realize that whining from your toddler was just them begging you to get down and play. Without technology we have time to excell in what matters. Yes, I am saying family matters more than technology. Mind blown? Our son was so excited to just play with us and have us at his level giving him our sole attention. This was a huge wake up call that I need to be intentional about my phone and computer usage.

4. You will sleep better. Once you get passed the withdrawals, and urge to use until your eyelids can't hold themselves open, your brain will thank you. It's no secret that looking at a screen all day is horrible for you for so many reasons. Taking a break from it will give you the only proof you need that that is true. Learn to fall asleep without the phone, even if it means charging it in another room and getting one of those clunky old school alarm clocks...I'm being sarcastic (but really I'm just in avoidance that my child probably won't know what that even is.)

5. You will make better connections. I have a small hand picked set of friends. I'm picky and although I love being social, I'm also surprisingly not social. I'm a homebody, with a tendancy to get bit by the travel bug. Living in the present and not worrying about Facebook or Insta took away my safety net. I couldn't avoid new people, or sit in a corner and browse my phone. Instead I talked to people that I really should have talked to and gotten to know a long time ago. I now have a few new, and much needed "mom friends".

So although we dropped the ball on this incredible venture, we are back...and not sorry for taking a break!! We hope to continue sharing all things life with you as this new year begins!

If there is something you want us to write about you can contact us at rootsandwingsnw@gmail.com

#LIFE #Life #Family