I've needed an outlet for awhile. And, this Erin Mops blogging site thing has UN-leashed a beast... (apologies in advance)
We've all heard about Breast Cancer Awareness this month. Some of us crunchier folks are participating in or have heard of "Unprocessed October" and I'm sure there's a whole slew of other things gaining awareness this month. But - what if you need something more personal to bring into focus this month? What if I were to tell you there is? YOU!!
I am guilty of Facebook scrolling (or trolling depending on the day). For some of you it's Pinterest. Others it's HSN or 11 o'clock Ellen or {shudder} Days of Our Lives (is this still on?)
And while I believe it is incredibly important to have "me-time", I also know that I'm wasting some valuable entertainment time on intangible things. I mean, I have the most fascinating form of entertainment right in front of me very own eyes. My KIDS!
I know what you're thinking....I've been with these monsters ALL DAY LONG! But, that's just it for me. I'm with my kids a considerable amount of time but I'm not interacting with them at all. In fact, right now, we're all snuggled up in my bed with the two girls watching Lalaloopsy, the baby is sleeping and I'm blogging. But, we are together. That's important. But, it's also beautiful outside. And, there are adventures we could be on. And memories to be made. No one ever remembers a great day of TV.
I guess what I'm saying is, unplug from technology. Pick a day or hours of operation (or should I say "hours of un-operation") and unplug. Give your kids your UN-divided attention. The attention they deserve. Don't check your phone notifications. Not even once.
I am so guilty of walking past my phone TOO MANY TIMES just to see if I've missed a notification. Of an email that I'm going to delete. Or of a Facebook "like" or "comment" notification. Or alas a text message that is never an emergency. I mean, if it is really important the person contacting me will call, right? But, all these things can wait. My kids are going to grow up faster than I want them to. And, they're not going to want to play with mommy... Or snuggle (though, secretly, I hope they never grow out of this). These are just two of the comments I've heard since having my newest child.
So, MOMS, I encourage you to be intentional about spending a bit of QT with your kids. You won't regret it. UNPLUG from whatever it is that you are filling your idle time. Who's with me? Let's get intentional, intentional (to the tune of "Let's get physical")
Oh, and while we're at it....let's not forget our spouses either. Again, guilty. Once the door to my kids' bedroom is shut, my husband heads for the kitchen to grab a snack to share and I start scrolling. What if I just put my phone down and talked to him about his day? Or we picked a show to watch together (without the aid of a phone during commercials)? Or played a hand of cards? Just think how much more connected we'd feel by morning...or 5 minutes after the lights go out - holla! but not too loud, the kids are sleeping.
I mean, what's so important on Facebook anyways? Sure, it's a way to keep up with family and friends. But, for the most part, it's filled up with ads, people's soy latte selfies and the latest social media news frenzy. If I really want to see what my sister in Colorado is doing, I'd seek out her personal page and get updated. But instead, I'm scrolling until I hit the oldest piece of newsfeed I've seen. Lame. Got. to. stop.
So, here I am. A mom on a mission. To be more intentional with my family. Are you a victim too? Want in on this challenge? Well, here's the catch....it's never-ending. It starts now and doesn't stop until your children are grown and you're dead. You can join for free any time. But don't wait too long or else you may miss out on opportunities. Start today.
This sales pitch is in no way affiliated with MOPS International or Erin Presbyterian MOPS or Erin Presbyterian Church. It is simply one mom's strive to thrive!
Gotta run - the baby is awake and Lalaloopsy is ending. Time to play.
