Everyone, meet Patrick. Isn’t he darling? I met him at Best Buy, where he’s an agent for the Geek Squad. I took my computer there because it’s been wheezing and freezing and hicupping. Patrick pushed some buttons, took it away, then brought it back, then told me he needed to keep my laptop for two to three days.
And I nearly fainted.
”It’s okay. It will be good for you,” he said.
“Well, I’m a blogger, ” I told him, feeling all justified and important. “So I really need my computer every day.”
”No, you don’t.” He smiled a mega-watt grin and his eyes danced. “Don’t let that trap you. You need to take a break. It’s good for your soul.”
Shit. He was speaking my language. Saying stuff I’ve said to others but have forgotten to apply to my own life lately. Turns out Patrick doesn’t touch electronics on Tuesdays or Thursdays, which forces him to live more fully. Last week, he took his mom shopping on one of his off days. They looked at jewelry. They talked. They had a good time. And he never stopped to check his email.
I’ve taken “breaks” - like my unplanned semi-vacation – but I was still plugged in. I still checked email via my phone, I still sent occasional tweets, I still turned on the TV, I still hopped on the computer at night after everyone was in bed. Just…less.
Honestly, I can’t remember when I last had a day without screen time. It’s probably been years. I couldn’t even bear to tell Patrick this during our impromptu life coaching session. I also didn’t tell him that, after leaving my computer behind, I would go home and use Brad’s computer as a back-up. I have deadlines to honor! I have a business to run! I have a problem, don’t I!?
I am now determined to take a break from clicking keys and glowing screens – sooner than later. I can’t just ignore the profound irony of having a Geek Squad agent tell me to back away from my computer. I must plan my great escape and stay strong. I can do this. I must do this. Patrick said so.
Patrick was a gift to you. Love the way the universe works. :] I hope you listen to him.
ouch.
Ouch!
okay, well, I needed that.
big, huge sigh.
-Jennifer
I love when life puts us in our place… sends us a soul teacher in unexpected clothing…
oh my gosh.
i love patrick's word!
a geek angel?!
i understand your pain!
lovelove! xox
Love this! Nice message to embrace. Thank you, Liv!
Patrick has much wisdom.
Now I just need to find the time to take his advice too.
you should love your life, spending time with friends, family members and your self is very important. Yes we need computer, but not more than Humane. God gives us 24hrs, we must lean how to use it properly.
yes my job is to work with computer, electronic everyday, but i highly value the people that i come across everyday. When you put value on people, you learn so much about life, you know yourself from inside out.
Do you remember the last time you enjoy a someone company? how did you feel? how about do you remember your first cell phone? do you still care about that old phone today?
be honest with your self, i know you know the right answer.
Do you know how many people divorce everyday because of electronic? Do you know how many parents who don't spend time with their children because of electronics?
Yes, we need electronic because it makes our life simple, but don't let that control you. Everyone should have a balance life.
that is why, i don't use my computer on Tuesday and Thursday.
i know you can do it. it's great to know your self from inside out. spend time to know who you are, not what the world want you to be.
I love you all. life is great we must have fun and be happy.
Big hugs for Patrick! He's awesome!!
Sometimes when my actions are not following what I know in my heart I should be doing, I step back and ask myself what I'm scared of.
We work so hard to build up our sites, it's scary to risk losing readers or miss out on something "big" going on out there. The truth is, I don't want the kind of readers who dump me if I take a break. As far as "missing out", the next big thing is always only a week or two away.
I'm so happy to see you giving yourself permission to plan a break. Do it!! I for one will be right here when you get back…
Hugs from germany, tj
AWwwww…. that's so sweet of Patrick!! I remember I used to follow this blog written by a Catholic priest and he really encouraged to have a computer Sabbath day and turn it off. Maybe we all need something like that.. and in response to TJ… (not to have yet another thing to do on the task list) but have a button that we can link up with other people who are doing it. Connecting with like minds.. people who will still come back
oh i dig patrick. and shit….i dig you!
I think we need to get Patrick his own self-help show. Great wisdom.
Of course, the show would only be on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
@Patrick ("stay smile & postive it's ok)! So cool you found your way here and offered some more advice. you are one wise dude and you've given me (and others here) great reminders about reviewing our priorities!
@Elizabeth – Your comment made me laugh! Yes! He needs a M, W, F show for sure!
@CoriLynn – Hmmmm….cool idea. Gonna have to mull that over, maybe on my break. ;o)
Thanks, all for your comments and for showing Patrick some love!
Hello – yes! I've been struggling with screen addiction myself lately. Antidote: summer camping!