living.
On Sunday the teacher in Relief Society asked the following question.
"How do you tune out the world?"
As I sat there, only one answer came to mind. I literally "tune out." Meaning, I turn turn off the television, log off the computer, and log in to what's important; family, friends, and the gospel.
As you may have noticed, my posting has been less than sporadic lately and I'm ok with that. I found the more time I spent online, the less I liked myself.
Day after day, I read blogs about talented, interesting, and seemingly perfect people. I would mope around about how my life would never be this, and how I'd never look like that. It didn't take much for me to spiral into a cycle of self-pity and I wasn't the only one who was noticing.
A little over a year ago, Carly came home from school with a card for me. It was a picture of me wearing a cowboy hat riding a horse. At the bottom of her drawing it read, "My mom is a cowgirl."
When I asked her why she thought I was a cowgirl her response changed me.
"Well, all you ever do is sit at the computer and be boring and I didn't want to write that."
It was just the wake-up call I needed. From that moment on, I've tried to log out of the computer more and log in to life. Real life. My life where I am beyond blessed for having three healthy, rambunctious children. My life that is not perfect, but I am happy.
So, although I'm no longer posting on a regular basis, you don't need to worry about me. I'm not depressed or sad, in fact, it's the exact opposite. I'm at the lake with my family, or hosting a playgroup, or at a play date. I'm trying out new recipes and visiting friends. I'm having a tea party with my kids and giving them extra hugs and kisses.
I am living and I am happy.
More of what I've been up to:
Eating this.
Listening to this.
Writing this.
10 comments:
Oh I LOVE that picture, and I love what you have to say. I've obviously been feeling the same way. Life is 100% better on the days that my face isn't buried in a computer screen. My kids are happier, I am happier, dinner gets made, laundry gets folded, fun is had. It's amazing what technology took away from me for a time, because I let it.
I also LOVED that article you wrote and linked to. You're so smart, and a great writer, Lynette. I loved every word.
That pasta is on the menu for this week. Yumm-o!
I am hoping that you (and the kids) will spend more time at our house/pool this summer (tuning out the world).
LOVE this Lynette.
Feeling much the same myself at the moment... too much time working, worrying, getting 'bogged down' and not enough time laughing, relaxing and doing things that make my heart smile. Time for a change I think!
such an eloquent reminder to connect to what's really important...rather than being so "connected" to less important things.
xo
p.s. turns out i don't love pesto! who woulda thought?
Hi! I've missed you! I read what you wrote on that parenting page, and you got it just right. The real power in parenting is knowing that you're in charge and you make the call. It's something I've struggled with a lot and not feeling like I know enough and trying so hard to make "THE ABSOLUTELY BEST" decision for everything. Thanks for verbalizing what is so hard to sometimes express. I miss you!
I miss you very much, and not for the reason that you're tuning out of the blogworld a little. I have had some of the most fun and best laughs in my life when I'm with you and Ammon, living.
I'm very glad you're spending less time online and more with the things/people that matter. But please don't stop blogging entirely.
While real life > than the internet, we live in different places and don't see each other that much anymore.
Your blog is one of the only ways I still feel connected to you!
So live and laugh, but don't forget to post once in awhile so we can see what you're up to and feel a part of your wonderful life.
And I'll do the same.
It's so true. It's so easy to let the internet take over the precious moments of life. You are one talented lady in so many ways!
Nice post. I think we all tend to spiral in one direction or the other when we read about perfectly talented and beautiful people on their blogs. I think you expressed yourself beautifully and many of us can just say "ditto." I'm glad you're feeling more connected to life's little moments.
What a great post, Lynette! I think we all can relate!
I love the sweet picture of your kids! Can't wait to see you soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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