Switch Off Sundays is a phrase I first heard from Leonie Dawson and it resonated with me. A day free of social media, emails, and other technology. A day to connect to what truly matters. Our society used to and some religions still observe a sabbath. A sabbatical to connect to myself. Tune out to turn in with the intent to be present for my family and free from distraction as possible.
I know childhood is so temporary. Children seem to be in a rush to do what big kids do. I don’t want to miss out on my kids’ childhood for a second. Social media and emails do not have priority over my real day-to-day life. I am responsible for their childhood memories. It’s a daunting task, and one I take seriously. And the best and easiest thing I can do is ditch the technology for one day. I know the emails will still be in my inbox come Monday morning. And I delete more than half of them most days anyhow.
Instead of deleting emails or catching up with a latest post, I will talk to my family. I marvel at what new words my 17-month old has discovered. She loves books and has us read the same story over and over. She can touch her knees and toes when I sing “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.” She’s learning about her face and can say “Eye” so clearly when she pokes her stuffed kitty cat’s eye.
I can take in my five-year old’s enthusiasm as she explains with energy and her whole being about an activity she’s done or looking forward to doing. She has a zest for life. She shares with joy in all of our family’s experiences. Last week after a doctor’s appointment, I took her out and I said, “I love our together time, just you and me.” And she said, “You know what I call it when it’s just me and daddy together time? Love.”
My 13-year old stepdaughter has the most insightful conversations. Her vocabulary and maturity leave me in awe. And I can chat with my husband. I love our long, uninterrupted talks about life, our home, and our future goals. This is my real life. I choose to focus on today.
My five-year old calls weekends “Home Days.” And I couldn’t agree more.
Healing Insights 