One day during our vacation last week in Flagstaff, Arizona, my son Dante and I took a long walk into town with pup Lupini. There was no purpose to the walk - no agenda - no destination - we simply wished to be outdoors on a lovely day with free time. No pressure - no time limit - nothing to carry (except Lupini when he grew tired as his 2-inch legs pumped hardily).
I purposefully left behind my car, my wallet, my phone, my purse. There were no texts to check every 7 seconds, no coffee house decisions to make without $$$ in my pocket, no shopping to accomplish. Just a mamma bear with one of her baby bears inhaling the morning, browsing in a few hippie shops, and enjoying an hour of freedom ... freedom from driving, freedom from staring at a phone, from checking email and social media, and freedom from spending money in gift shops on rubbish I don't need.
Snippeteers, free up a bit-o-time whenever you can: take a short break or walk (from your desk or workspace) ... a long break (evening outside - phone inside - a day trip - an afternoon plan with a friend) ... or a vacation break when possible. Then BE THERE. Be present. Try not to sit around the table on your phones during a meal with family and friends. Look at each other. Talk. Listen. Laugh. Love. Feel.
It's okay. You won't be fired. No one will yell at you. You won't be unfriended. The phone can wait. The emails are there anyhow. You don't need all the junk in your purse. Release the urgency we carry with us much of the day as we do-do-do-go-go-go.
Grant yourself permission for a little freedom.
