Last week I spoke in church on Elder Oaks' address from last October's conference called Good, Better, Best. He spoke about all the good things we can be doing with our time, but there are better - and better yet - best things we can be doing with our time instead.
There are a number of things I'm required to do to keep a house running. There are a number of things I can do to keep busy. There are an even larger number of things that I should be doing that I'm not.
Let's take one tiny area of my life; my life on the computer:
my email accounts
Facebook
the recipe blog
Goodreads
my family blog
my etsy shop
checking out your blogs...
the recipe blog
Goodreads
my family blog
my etsy shop
checking out your blogs...
...not to mention the number of things I google to learn about, map out, price, or just plain research. This very idea of knowing when to stop was discussed the other day at this blog. And I can't help but wonder if I'm wasting too much time on my computer. The one thing I have that helps me justify this is that the laptop can be wherever my kiddos are. But does that even matter if I'm not really "doing" anything with them 'cause I'm looking at skirts?
When is too much too much?
When do you know when to cut back?
How do you cut back?
16 comments:
Mindy, I have been thinking about this same question! I also feel like I could do more with my free time than just sit at the computer-it is hard because I do have an addiction. I am going to allowing myself a certain time each day to check email, blogs, surf, etc. and for only 30 minutes tops. It can be hard but I think if you stick to it, you really can accomplish your goal! Hope that may help you out! :)
I'm in the same boat. I remember that talk, and I have tried to limit my time on the computer. Other than specific time limits, I try to only be on when the kids are out, sleeping, watching a movie, or otherwise occupied. But often times I am reminded that the computer stuff can wait until tomorrow, but my kids need me now.
I'm a total internet-a-holic. So I only let myself online when Riley's asleep. Which, theoretically, limits me even more, because I have about four thousand other things to do when she sleeps. But usually the other stuff just gets neglected!
We recently replaced our computer, and we intentionally opted NOT to get a laptop, because it'd be way too dangerous for me!
I agree. We need to prioritize! As for blogging, I have found that I have developed or have regained some awesome relationships with people and that truely helps me be a happier person. I'm not so obsessed with making sure I have a new post every single day. So, please don't cut that out of your life! :) We would all miss you too much!
I am in the same spot...my kids are begging me to play, but I need to finish this one thing (that turns into a 1/2 hour of other things). I should cut back.
I've also had the exact same questions, probably prompted by the same talk. I don't have any answers. I've tried the 30 minute thing, I'm not so great at it, I get on and loose track of time. Like right now, I should be SLEEPING, but I keep thinking, I'll just check one more thing. I'm going to check back here and see what words of wisdom other people have to offer on the subject.
I know EXACTLY what you mean. I get obssesive over these things and spend way too much time online. I'm not a good one to ask
b/c I am guilty of too much online time while the laundry and dishes wait. But at the same time it's kind of my "selfish" time. Men watch t.v....women blog and email!
That talk has been in the back of my mind ever since I heard it in conference last October. My problem isn't necessarily the internet, but lot's of things. I end up wondering if it's a good thing or a better, etc. It keeps me on my toes, a little bit at least.
I've found Google Readerto be a help in the time department, judging from your friend links you probably spend a ton of time checking other peoples blogs, google reader notifies you when the blog has updated.
I have an addiction. Its a very severe one. I sit all day in front of a computer at my job, which doesnt help, because ANYTHING is more exciting than accounting. And, I've been glued to email and law school forums for the past two months literally
24/7. I'm hoping when we know where we are going, I will calm down. But, I'll have to get a lap top for law school and all I can think about is how that will be so much more convenient for blogging/surfing. I really might need therapy. Or rehab.
My parents' Stake President recently gave a talk in which he called the internet the Trojan Horse knockin' at the door. I've sometimes felt the computer was taking too much from other areas of my life. Most days I try to snap it closed and only open it when the babes are in bed. I want my children to see me doing activities Mamas should be doing and think of their mama as a baker of bread, a reader of books, a scrubber of toilets, even, but not a person glued to a screen.
Mindy,
I love to read your blog. I enjoying seeing what you're up to and of course your great sense of humor. Tonight though, I have to say thank you. I work part time at my kid's school and today they asked me if I would substitute teach a kindergarten class (all day) for the next 6 weeks. I was trying to make the decision if I should do it or not. Elder Oaks' address is just what I needed. I'm sure the time I would spend there would be taken away from my family even though it is when they are in school. Those hours I have in the afternoon are my cleaning time, shopping, and laundry. Then I'm able to give my kids my full attention when they come home from school. It was a real eye opener for me. Thanks Mindy!
Whenever I feel like I'm on too much, I turn off the computer and won't let myself turn it on until after the kids are in bed. But then, I'm usually too tired...
The pressure is on for you to blog something new.
Seriously a week? Come on.
I don't want to hear about illnesses. You were laying in your bed so I am sure you had the laptop near by.
STEP IT UP!
If you are going to make the decision to move away from us then you have a duty to provide current updates on a regular basis!
I have the same problem at my house. I found myself just the other day putting my kids in front of a movie so I could get just one more thing done on the computer. I think I need a TIME OUT from the computer.
nice to see others have the same problem...i try to do just an hour in the morning and then not until the kids go to bed at night...then my husband misses me.
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