Day 1

My response to day 1 of being media free: not as bad as I anticipated. My morning routine was uncustomary due to the fact that my sister-in-law and I were doing the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. The entire drive downtown we sat in silence because radio is banned (and we were still half asleep). The race was a great opportunity to be not only in a social setting, but to be part of something that is changing lives. Talking to survivors as well as to families who have lost loved ones, I realized how fragile life is.

I am so caught up in staying current and connected to the digital world, that I often times forget how important spending quality time with my family is. Today I have had the revelation of how much extra time i truly have, and what areas I could devote it.

I had hoped my husband and kids would come on board with going media free, but it seems their addicitions are stronger than mine. I experienced cartoon and video game depravation meltdowns. Those were just from my husband... My children itching to watch their favorite movies and play Wii. Needless to say, I needed a game plan to get us to disconnect and reconnect with one another.

By the time we were settling down for the night, things were falling into place. My husband and I got the kids into bed early and read them each bedtime stories. We had extra time to iron clothes for church the next day and discuss our summer plans. Though he wouldn't admit it, I think my husband was beginning to realize the benefits of this assignment.

We had enjoyed each family members' company that day and created valuable memories. I am searching for ways to implement the lessons I'm learning into our daily lives. Perhaps we will create a "Disconnect Day" for our family to go back to the basics and enjoy the simple things in life; as it should be.