Unplugging and reconnecting

I have to admit that between my husband and myself, precious hours of our lives are spent surfing the web, watching you-tube videos, and texting/face booking/tweeting. We easily get lost in technology and disconnect from one another, even though we may be sitting on the same couch or in the same room. I phones have changed our lives, but I have to wonder, if for the better.

Growing up I was a social butterfly, my husband more of a recluse. It surprises me that I am spending more time these days connecting with friends via text/email or aimlessly surfing the Internet. Occasionally I will get a phone call from a friend and you know what, I miss that. I miss being able to connect with our voices or face to face with others. We are all so busy these days that it is a miracle we can stay in touch so texting and email has made life convenient.

I worry though, about the upcoming generations in the world. The 30 plus crowd grew up without cell phones, computers in our houses, and social networking sites. We learned how to connect with people and build friendships. We also learned that reading, crafting, taking the bike for a ride, walking on the beach, going for a hike, and grabbing a cup of coffee with one another were enjoyable activities. The next generation is learning to spend their free time on the Internet or texting rather than having face to face interactions with others. This social disconnect that is being created within modern society may have detrimental effects. Science has proven that being social may keep Alzheimer's and dementia away. It has also proven that not being social and engaging in physical activities has increased incidence of obesity.

I challenge everyone reading this, myself, my husband, and my step daughter to put the phone away one day a week and turn off the computer. Reconnect with each other and build relationships, get to know your neighbor, help one another out, get healthy, and find new hobbies. Afterall, you only have this one life on earth and do you want to look back at it on your deathbed and realize all the things you could have done!