Balance.
Pure and simple is something that I not only crave on daily basis, but strive to achieve. Am I always successful? Of course not. I work full-time, attend graduate school part-time, am a devoted wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I’m an advocate for digital literacy, a seeker of infinite information, a lover of art and music (oh, and let’s not forget food and wine). However, the day does not simply allow for mindful, intentional implementation of all of the above. It’s hard enough to squeeze it all into a month.
The internet, the web, social media, technology, new technology, web 2.0, whatever you call it, is the conduit for my true passion: communication, collaboration, access to information and an ability to share stories, experiences and knowledge on a global scale. That’s truly what I love about the internet.
I’m finding it all becoming way to intermixed – my personal, professional and academic lives, my purchasing behavior and my constant knowledge consumption. To some, this is the point and opportunity within the context of the web. I don’t want to be an opportunity. I want to present opportunities to others, be attentive to those around me, the missions I hold dear and the stories I wish to share – perhaps all in the altruistic hope of changing the world.
To do this, I’m setting boundaries – digital ones.
Facebook will be for my personal relationships of fairly direct connection. Twitter, that’s still to be determined. LinkedIn, is the place to continue to connect with me as is my blog. My blog was the space that first spoke to me and this is where I return. The increasing constraint of character restrictions is not me. Anyone who knows me knows this and knows the my thoughts are far too verbose.
The question that lies is my profession and career aspirations involve the web and it’s infinite platforms. Am I less knowledgeable of the web, social media or technology, because I’m no longer juggling 100+ social networks at a time. No, in fact, it’s just the opposite. Expect more from me, so much more, because that’s the point of establishing boundaries. There will be more of me, my true self, to go around. I’m carving out a space to breathe, think about it, when’s the last time to carved out space of your own to reassess, re-energize and to simply be.
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4 Responses to setting digital boundaries and carving a space to breathe
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Good for you girl. i am behind you 100%!!! I look forward to your storytelling in this space, and (hopefully) over a bottle of wine sometime soon.
You are working at the edges of a lot of this stuff, and your experiences, reflections, and wisdom is very important to share. The currency of human relationship is really evolving here. Its possible to know a gazillion people online, but how does this impact our truest sense of community and our deeper desires for authentic connections and real relationships. I would love for you to say more about why you chose to do this now in this way, and your observations of what has changed for you since making this shift.
Agreed, great post!
One of my friends has the following statement on his Twitter profile: “Trying really hard to be the bird, not the ornithologist.”
It can be tempting as a communications professional — or as the hyper-articulate, expressive people we were before we had such titles — to let the media guide us, versus the other way around.
I think it’s ok to try everything. But what’s more important is to be honest with yourself about which tools, apps, etc. you actually ENJOY using, or that bring some value to your life. The rest you owe it to yourself to ditch. (You also owe it to your clients, unless you enjoy making cynical recommendations.)
This is one of the many reasons why I don’t have a Facebook account
Thanks Leslie!
Ditto, trying everything is alright, but as long as it works for you (and/or your client). It’s also important to ask: a.) is it sustainable, and b.) can we make the commitment. Too often folks gravitate to a media medium, because it’s shiny, new and all the cool kids are doing it. It’s about intentional, and realistic, implementation.
Per usual, I am neurotic about realistic implementation when consulting others about social media and general communication strategies. BUT, a complete work in progress personally. “Cynical recommendations” are typically avoided. Even though I may not enjoy some form of application or communication, doesn’t mean that it isn’t perfect for someone else. It always comes back to perspective, audience and objective.
P.S. no Facebook, amazing!
[...] was incredibly humbled and inspired by Doyle’s recent comment regarding my declaration of setting digital boundaries: You are working at the edges of a lot of [...]