Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Summer Ramblings - Unplugging

I am not ashamed to admit that last week was a stressful week for me, despite being on vacation.

Why?

I was in the middle of a situation where I needed (or so I thought) to be in contact with some individuals, and I had my smart phone with me.

I use my phone as my camera, so every time I wanted to take a picture, there were the emails and texts.

Which, of course, I had to check out.

"Snap", went the photo button.  And as I saw each text, or read each email, my blood pressure rose.


I had a headache, and it got worse with each passing hour.
Willard Memorial Chapel, Auburn, New York

Even a historic building could not make me smile.  I wore the burdens of my world.

Hoopes Park, Auburn, New York

I love my iPhone.  I love the photos it takes.  But I hate being connected.  Finally, I sat in a park in downtown Auburn, New York, and questioned what I was trying to do.

Sometimes one just has to unplug.  And I swore that this week I would do a lot more unplugging.
And a lot more enjoying the world around me, as I ramble through the rest of summer.

Fear not, I am not stopping my blog - I still intend to post daily.  But I just may not be as accessible this week.

Have you ever unplugged?

14 comments:

  1. I totally agree. I think for us bloggers, our senses are on all the time; integrating, writing and reporting, etc. There are times when I have to consciously make myself unplug and although I think, this would be a great photo, tidbit, experience to share, I just keep it to myself.

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    1. I unplugged this week less than I had planned to - saw too many things I knew some of my friends would enjoy, and posted on Facebook - again and again and again. Aaargh! (The Cooperstown, NY tourist industry should thank me, because at least three people are planning to visit next year as a result!)

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  2. I unplug quite frequently. Sometimes I just want to be alone, out in nature, away from any distractions, where I can focus on simply being.

    Love your photos! I have a camera but I love using my iPhone for photos as well, especially when my regular camera is not available.

    :)
    Blessings.
    Penny

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    1. I think I'd better start using my camera (which has no Internet or wifi capability) some more!

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  3. AM.
    I love the look and feel of your blog. It looks detailed and cozy.
    I definitely think there are times to unplug and not think about that.
    Good luck this week in tuning into other things except for taking time out to blog!
    Take care,
    Amy

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the kind words about the look and feel of my blog :) I didn't unplug as much as I should have but I will try again this weekend.

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  4. Hey Alana

    I apologize for the delay in my 'second reply' ;) My pup demanded my attention #HUGSS

    Anyway, it's awesome to comment again here, and I completely agree with your observation. Indeed, unplugging is necessary for our sanity.

    I just got back from a 4-day visit to Miami with close family friends. Apart from using our smartphones to get the directions, we barely looked at them, instead simply relishing each other's company.

    It felt great. We should all unplug for just 30 minutes every day to LIVE our lives :D

    Keep ramblin' in your own wonderfully unique style #HUGSSS

    Much love
    Kitto

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    Replies
    1. Good that you did that unplugging. I will try again!

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  5. Yes, I agree that we must unplug occasionally to keep our system going.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. I did some unplugging but not enough - I will try again tomorrow.

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  6. It is really necessary to unplug sometimes else being too much connected gets to us...I know the feeling

    Random Thoughts Naba - Your Birthday Or Mine?…...

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  7. I think it's necessary and healthy to unplug occasionally, at least once a week for half a day, even a full day if possible. I do so occasionally and it feels great. Good luck with it Alana. BTW, I love the photos of your flowers...are they in your garden? Wherever they are, that might be a good place to just hang out! ;) <3

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  8. Sometimes our smart phones are not a smart option! I unplugged a few months ago and loved every minute of it!

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  9. I don't own a mobile, so I guess I'm always unplugged, except of course I'm tied to my computer like a rock on the shore.
    Drawback: one thing I would love to do is take photos like yours.

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