What can you do?

Everyday Joe's like me go through a lot during their day. We typically work a 9-5 and want to spend their time off with our family and friends. We don't want to spend our "off time" thinking about work or the worries of life. Why is it then that so many of us do exactly that? It's probably because so many of us are "chained" to our gadgets or tied up watching TV. For IT geeks like myself, we're so connected that surgery is required to remove the laptop from our fingers or the phone from our ear. This connection to the outside world only amplifies those things that we can't control which in turn, amplifies our worries.

With today's technology it seems as if you can't escape. So... what can you do?

Well... last summer, I went on a Philmont trek with my oldest son. 11 days in the New Mexico mountains carrying everything I need on my back was a nice way to break the "technological chains" holding me back. I was able to drop the laptop, cell phone, pager, even snail mail for 11 days. What a way to enjoy life! I'd do it again in a Oklahoma minute!

A Philmont trip though is expensive and requires time off from the 9-5 so it might not be an answer for everyone. Recently, my family and I embarked on a 30 day media fast. During the entire month of January, we watched no TV, no movies, no Internet (other than e-mail out of necessity), no Facebook, no NetFlix, no nothing. While it was difficult for the first week, by the end of the first week I had come to the realization that I didn't NEED those things. It was amazing how much "free" time I had and how much I got accomplished.

I encourage all of you to ask "What can I do?" to break the monotony of the life of the Everyday Joe. Think about how you can break the "technological chains" that hold you back and envision what you can accomplish by doing so.

Until next time.