I’m delighted to be hosting #BlogFlash2012 – 30 Days, 30 Prompts 30 Posts.
If you’d like to jump on board, it’s not too late!
Don’t forget to leave your “Day Twenty Two” post link in the comments below so I can stop by!
#BlogFlash2012: Day Twenty Two – On Holiday
Be Where You Are
In the past, it would not have occurred to me to bring my smartphone on vacation. I wasn’t on Twitter; I used Facebook to research a new course. My laptop home on my desk, I would not have checked e-mail.
The holiday would have been an intimate experience, shared with those accompanying me.
I would have been present.
Now, I’m constantly checking. While I bite my nails, heart thumping, wondering anxiously what I’m missing, I’m missing the moments that matter, the people who matter, the people I love, those I’m with.
Vacation-a break from technology? Maybe it should be.
Word count: 104
I've read it somewhere that the constant need of connecting is becoming more and more stressful so I think you're absolutely right. There is a need to break from technology, and not only on holidays.
Here's my holiday revelation: http://word2live.wordpress.com/2012/08/22/day-22-…
I think you're right, Andrea. It seems almost irresponsible to shut down our laptops, shut off our cells, and escape. Instead, we should all be able to have downtime.
PS: I can't believe I'm the first to comment, I'm usually the last :)
I've pulled back from the internet a bit over these Summer Holidays to be with the family, but they're forgiving the Blogflash addiction!
http://thelastkrystallos.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/b…
Yes, in a way I've encouraged being tied to the laptop over the weekends! Next time I promise there will be weekend breaks! :)
Great post Terri.
I thinks it's important to have time away from technology and holidays are a great way to do that.
Thank you so much, David! I completely agree!
I think when go on vacation with our loved ones, we should leave technology/social media/emails et al far behind us. It doesn't matter what's going on in the rest of the world, what matters are the loved ones you are with and the moments you could be missing with them, moments which will never come again.
Great post and very thought provoking!
Here's the link to mine: http://wp.me/p1UhOl-a3
I think you're right, Carlie! With the holiday weekend coming up, I'm seriously looking at switching off from everything for three days and just allowing myself to really enjoy that time with my family. I'm sure it will be more special for it!
I did the same thing on my last vacation – I admit it, I love posting photos etc on holiday and my readers/friends seem to enjoy it also, but I have to agree… unplugging for a few days would more than likely intensify my "in the moment" experience.
How I love the BlogFlash challenge!
http://juliejordanscott.typepad.com/julie_unplugg…
Thank you so much, Julie! I'm thrilled that you're enjoying it!
Great post today! It is important to put all those things aside sometimes so we can spend time with those we love :)
Here's my day 22: http://christinakrieger.com/2012/08/22/blogflash-…
So true, Christina! Thank you so much for the link!
I just spent a spa weekend with my (ex)sister-in-law and we spent our days getting spa treatments and sightseeing and the evenings on our side-by-side queen beds with our electronic devices all spread out and doing our own on-line things but chatting up a storm the whole time!! It was pretty hilarious!!
BUT as a rule, when I am on vacation, my family has a pretty good ritual of making it In Person Time. We put our electronic devices in the counter and have set Check In Times, where we post pictures or check twitter, etc. Works out pretty well!!
My link for the day is here: http://www.sweetbananaink.com/2012/08/22/blog-fla…
That's actually a fantastic idea, Ruth! I think the 'constantly available' aspect is what wears people down. Having set times to "Check In" sounds like a great approach!
I can't remember the last time we took a vacation, unless you call weekend camping at the lake one, but the only thing I bring there is my Kindle.
Here's my post:
I'm not sure I could shut myself away from books either! Thank you so much for the link, Donna!
My dad's favorite way to vacation is a cruise because he can lock my step-mom's phone in the safe and she can't do any work for the entire time. Otherwise she is on the phone or the iPad the entire time he is driving to where they are going and able to connect to work while they are supposed to be on vacation.
I've threatened to lose my husband's cell phone and iPad before our next trip for the same reason. He was way too connected to work while we were at Disney last year and it drove me crazy!
http://librarygirlreads.blogspot.com/2012/08/on-holiday-blogflash2012-day-22.html
Someone told me today that their relative had lost his cell on the way to their vacation destination. Instead of it ruining his trip, he had the most restful break he'd had in a long time! I guess that says a lot!
Being unplugged is hard, and re-plugging after is a lot of work too.
That's true, Jean! I've been visiting with family recently and – though connected – an awful lot has stacked up. It was worth it for the extra time with them, though!
Gotta ditch the phone sometimes. Fortunately, my cell phone ain't that bright.
How did I get lucky enough to score this picture?
http://eightysixthepoet.blogspot.com/2012/08/blog…
Thank you for the link!
Well put, Terri.
My mother loves when we go on holiday, because she gets to drag me away from the computer that I am so fond of. My phone isn't set up for internet access, and I don't text my friend all that often, so for me, holidays usually are a break from technology.
And yeah, it's pretty sweet. ;)
My response for the day:
http://lovethebadguy.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/day…
Thank you so much for the link – I loved your post!
Very thought provoking.I don't own a smart phone (yet) or an ereader(yet) so when I go, my suitcase will conmtain loads of paper backs and notebooks and pens. But a mobile sure makes it easier to stay in touch no matter wehre we all are. xxx
Here's my offering. x
http://40somethingundomesticateddevil.blogspot.co…
That's very true, Lizzie. I don't think I'd want to cut myself off from technology completely – it's nice to know there's always an option there if you need it!
I try to make a rule anytime we go anywhere to shut the phone off but it is definately so very difficult. Thanks for another wonderful post Terri!
I apologize for the lateness of my post. I tried so very hard to write about things bright and sunny, but perhaps in my post I can spur even one individual to enjoy a life full of bright and sunny holidays for many, many years to come.
http://www.melinagillies.com/2/post/2012/08/blogf…
Thank you so very much for sharing your post, Melina – I know it can't have been easy but it's a beautiful piece.
Day 22 already? Wow this is going by so fast. Tonight I've pulled an old piece from my graveyard and shared a clip of it for my Holiday blog.
http://joykeeney.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/155/
Thank you so much, Joy!
I love to travel, but not all trips are holidays. Vacations are what we make of them, whether to relax, go full throttle, or never really leave our little lives behind.
http://runesandothersecrets.blogspot.com/2012/08/…
I completely agree, Heidi! Thank you so much for the link!
I'm not sure I used this prompt very well. Holiday doesn't fit in with the language. Yikes!
http://dreaming-of-stories.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08…
I love how you used the prompt without breaking away from the story, Afsaneh!