Lessons Learned Offline

Over the past 3 weeks I took a cold-turkey break from Twitter, Facebook, and blogging. I dubbed it my eSabbatical. I refrained from updating statuses, posting thoughts, checking activity. It was a very interesting time for me. I learned a lot. Here are just a few things that come to mind (as you read this, consider waht bold step you can take for your own personal growth):

• HIGH FRAGMENT, LOW FOCUS. Right out of the gate I discovered one thing. Without activity notifications sent to my mobile phone via SMS I was no longer interrupted throughout the day. Without activity notifications sent to my inbox I was no longer spending time deleting unnecessary messages. This has resulted in a tremendous uptick in my ability to remained focused on the task at hand. I have been more productive than I dreamed possible as a result of the eSabbatical AND as I return to social media, I will return differently. I will be limiting the notifications to my phone and inbox so I remain in control.
• COMMUNITY INCLUDES SOCIAL MEDIA. Another thing I noticed was how much I missed the unique insight, incredibly funny thoughts, and eDialog that came from interacting with newly-found friends and colleagues online. I missed connecting with old friends from high school. Social media provides people the avenue to connect when before it was virtually impossible. I can "talk" with people all over the world about interesting topics and issues that impact the Kingdom because the internet provides the roadway. I can learn about new resources and ideas that I never would have thought of on my own. I am richer for connecting to my Facebook friends and Twitter followers and people who comment on my blog posts.
• COMMUNITY INCLUDES MORE THAN SOCIAL MEDIA. I mused during the 3 weeks what a total breakdown in the internet would do to me. What would I do if the internet was sabotaged to the point of total elimination? Who would I talk to? Where would I go for support? Where would I engage in healthy debate and collaboration? This musing season resulted in a new appreciation for the flesh and blood connections I have with my wife, kids, extended family, fellow missionaries at my church, fellow parents at soccer games, and neighbors. THEY are the ones to turn to in a major catastrophe. THEY are the ones to keep my eyes open to helping and pouring my life into.

So there. I unplugged for 3 weeks. I learned some cool stuff. How about you? What bold step can you take in life that will throw you into a season of reflection, growth, and development? I trust you will take the challenge and continue Serving Strong!

photo credit