I may sound like a tita to you now, but I don’t mind. I challenge you to pick up a thing or two about the goodness that unplugging can bring you and your family’s well-being.
You may say: “But this is really how we are—we’re connected 24/7” Agree. I’m not saying you go for gadget abstinence, but I urge you to have gadget-free moments especially when with your family. Your body is naturally made by God, and gadgets are, well, alien. Gadgets are not part of your being, and too much of it can make you unhealthy, just like too much junk food or sweets can affect your body.
Please be kind to yourself, and give your family life the gift of experiencing you so you can experience them more. Look up and then slow down. Here are some ways you can do so:
Look up! Be deliberate in looking up. Look up from your phone when your loved ones converse with you, whatever they may be saying. You cannot capture the emotions and the real presence of the person if you are merely listening (or perhaps, pretending to listen).
Slow down! I know you want things quick, fast, and in a jiffy! Speed is more important to you. Let me share this with you: There is beauty in being slow. Mothers carry their children for nine months in their womb, and no amount of technology can hasten that process. So when you’re tired, burnt out, or lacking in energy, the body naturally tells you to slow down. Slow down so you can experience life and your family. You can share heartfelt good laughs with them. You can even appreciate the new addition to your home that your mom worked hard for. More importantly, when you slow down, you create more loving memories with your family that no amount of app or social media connection can give.
Unplug! When you get the habit of looking up and slowing down, then do unplug, too. You can start this in your family, like when you are out for lunch on a Sunday or you are in church. Come on, it’s just a few hours. And your unplugging won’t go to waste, promise! Because you are doing this to give time and focus on your true source of love and support—your family! No matter how many connections you have in the online world, there is richness in connecting to the true people who matter –your fam!
This article originally appeared in Fish Magazine 2018, but has since been updated.