Funny enough, it was at a blogging conference that I realized that I perhaps spend too much time in front of a screen.
I’m at Northern Voice right now (more on the amazing conference later this week) and have come to the realization that I am perhaps too dependent on my computer. After all, my Macbook hasn’t left my side all week and has been open for every session at NV08. I make my living writing and storytelling on the web, and my text messaging habit is almost unhealthy.
On top of all that, I’ve been thinking about the fact that I watch a minimum of three movies a week and a whole lot of sports and quite a few shows on television. I’ve become screen-dependent.
So, taking a cue from Ariel Meadow Stallings, I’m jumping on the 52 nights unplugged bandwagon.
I am going to completely unplug from anything with a screen.
Starting in March, for one night a week, that is.
I already spend a ton of time writing letters and going out for coffee with people, so I’m not replacing my screen time with more pens and caffeine. Instead, I’m going to go out and do something active (which works well with my plans to eat healthier), social, and hopefully benevolent.
I’m going to help people with their gardening. I’m going to canoe to the island for picnics. I’m going to take community youth for hikes in provincial parks. I’m going to go tobogganing on Centennial Hill. I’m going to go salsa dancing with friends. I’m going to get away from the screens: no computer, no television, no mobile phone, no camera, no cinema.
It may not sound hard, but I’m still excited to see how it goes. Wish me luck.