In case you missed it, I’m in the middle of taking a 32 day break from media/social media.  It’s been MUCH easier than I expected it to be.  I fidgeted for my phone the first day, less the second and even less the third.  I don’t even miss social media at this point.

Ditching television has been easy. I usually average less than 30 minutes per day during the week and go several days at a time without it all-together.

What have I replaced my time with?  There isn’t any one thing in particular…more time in prayer…more time in the Bible…more time with friends and family than usual.  I’ve spent a little more time self-reflecting.  Current events are top of mind on a less frequent basis.  I can go hours at a time without thinking about COVID-19 or other modern topics.  I learn about most current events via word of mouth.  What missile from China?  What gas shortage?  And so on.

Random observations and thoughts:

I notice others on their phones more often…which makes me conclude my own pre-occupation is likely worse than I suspected.  Emails, texts, business items, social DMs.  It’s non-stop.  I want to be more intentional about when I spend time in those activities when I finish this disconnect.  I don’t think timely awareness or reactions to every message is healthy for 12-26 hours per day.

I’m still thinking about COVID-19, but I’m escaping COVID-19 for hours at a time.  You’re presented with commercials while watching TV, sports, or YouTube.  Every commercial segment has some sort of “we’re in a pandemic” theme; even as simple as someone masked up.  COVID-19 has come up in nearly every podcast episode I’ve listened to over the past 14 months.  And let’s not even get started with social media….yikes.  It goes beyond COVID-19 and extends into social justice and overall division topics as well.  I’ve replaced negative input with positive input.  It’s more peaceful.

I’ve heard my daughter say, “can I use your phone, I need to check something” twice.  Bad father thoughts crept in.  How many times do I “need to check something?”  Did I really need to check something or am I addicted to constant input?  How often is constant input taking me out of the moment?  And, the biggest headscratcher, what does a 9 year-old “need to check”?  I need to re-evaluate the examples I set.

Mother’s Day seemed more enjoyable than any recent year, on both sides of the family.  I don’t think this has to do the disconnect, although it probably heightened an already good day. 

I’ve decided I will watch one television show during this time off.  My family and I recently began watching “The Chosen”.  We’re only a few episodes in, but each show has provided healthy family discussion.  It falls in line with my goal for the break:  replace meaningless activities with quality ones. 

My family and I attended the WindSurge game last night.  Yeah I know, I said no sports, but my intention was no sports on TV.  Heading to a ball-game with the family is quality time and we had a blast.  It was Wichita’s new, double-A baseball team debut in our city’s new stadium.  It was the first live event I’ve attended since the KISS/David Lee Roth concert last February.  It felt so good to be in a crowd of people enjoying life.  The WindSurge should have made their debut last year, but like everything else, 2020 happened. 

I’ve read 4 books already.  I recommend “Finding Ultra” by Rich Roll and “Run the Mile You’re In:  Finding God in Every Step” by Ryan Hall.  I’m currently re-reading select chapters from David Goggins’ “Can’t Hurt Me”.  I want to re-read the ultramarathon excerpts from the point of view of someone who has ran a 50-miler. 

Short, random thoughts during downtime:

Generation X:  the last generation to grow up without pharmaceutical commercials on television while rarely seeing an obese person.  It’s been so long since that was “normal”? 

Healthy living:  the ultimate booster for your immune system

Inaction has a 100% failure rate.  The only chance can and may occur after getting started.

The Prairie Fire Spring half-marathon was a blast.  It was great to see so many fellow runners.  See the theme?  My happy moments over this break have been with other people. 

Go get it.