I Had It All

Last weekend I was inspired by my readers to “raise the bar” on my growing desire to live Hands Free.

So I did something that was challenging for me. I turned off my hand held communication device and my computer on both Saturday and Sunday, as described in my post, “A Major Turn Off.”

Thought of such action may have caused heart palpitations and sweaty palms for some (including myself).

But to others, the thought of such a measure was no big deal because they spend every weekend that way. (Insert “pat on the back” here.)

But regardless of how ludicrous OR how simple my personal challenge appeared to you, you did not judge. I thank you for that.

We have discussed this week that “baby steps” into a Hands Free life are often required. And whether my baby steps are the same, different, more challenging, or less challenging than your baby steps, there is no room for judgment in this journey…only encouragement.

Thank you for the encouragement.

So how did it go? Several of you have asked. Thank you for asking.

There are only four words to describe my weekend with no cell phone and no computer…

I had it all.

Because I let go of distraction for two whole days, “all” life has to offer was in my grasp. And with it, I realized two things:

– I never realized how much “daily distraction” makes its way into my home, into my thoughts, into my happiness, and into my life through my cell phone and my computer.

(It might just be me, but that realization sends shivers up my spine. Would I purposely open a vent that allowed carbon monoxide to invade my home? Of course not. Then why would I keep the pathway of distraction “open” so that it can poison my “family time” by preventing personal connection and purposeful interaction?)

– I also fully realized how daily distraction has a sneaky way of stealing time, that precious rare commodity that once we lose, we never regain. Every time I get on to check email, Facebook, or search the Internet, suddenly a large chunk of time is gone. Is that really how I want to spend my precious family time?

And only by turning my computer and phone off completely for two whole days did I have these powerful revelations.

For two days, I could breath easier. The laughter came easier. The ability to relax came easier, and it remained longer.

Why? Because I had time.

Time was in my hands…instead of the other way around.

And in that precious time, I had it all…

I had time to laugh.

I had time to dance.

I had time to make sweet creations with little hands.

I had time to add the sprinkles. (Life is just better with sprinkles, don’t you think?)

I had time to sit down and enjoy every single bite of Daddy’s homemade pancakes and waffles.

I had the time to help my daughters make someone else smile.

I had the time to help my daughters make someone else feel better.

I had the time to dig through a box full of memorabilia and old cards from my childhood.

I had time to stand in amazement.

I had time to watch my daughter stand in amazement.

I had time to climb a hill and feel a sense of smallness, gratitude, and wonder.

I had time to see strength and perseverance in a little girl who used to say, “I can’t do it.”

I had time to do something I loved to do twenty years ago.

I had time to see what it does to children to see their mom doing something they seldom see her do.

I had time to read my Bible and hear the God-given messages that are felt in moments of stillness.

The simple act of turning off my phone and my computer for the weekend allowed me to be IN the moment. I was not thinking about past mistakes or planning ahead to next week. I was not thinking about all the things I could be getting accomplished. I was simply being in the moment…the glorious God-given moments found in the ordinary, mundane delights of a rainy Saturday morning and a clear blue Sunday afternoon.

Instead of being “half-way” there by dividing my attention into worthless sections, I was focused solely on what mattered in each beautiful moment. Not once did I think about the moments behind me or in front of me; not once did I think about the moments going on in someone else’s life, or what I thought should be going on in mine.

Instead, I had it all.

Being in the moment allowed me to fully experience each smile, every laugh, each word, every emotion and every touch.

And if something tragic happened to me come Monday morning, I can’t think of a better way to have spent the last two days of my life.

Because for those two days…I had it all.

And this weekend? Well, there’s no question. I am going to have it all again.

And you you can, too.

Last weekend a reader in Maryland, a reader in Colorado, and one in Michigan let me know that they were joining me in my challenge to “unplug.” It sure felt great to have not only the support, but also the accountability. I wonder if, like me, they realized it was not only easier than expected to go without a phone or a computer, but also more rewarding than expected. What do you think? Could this be your weekend to “Have It All?” Need a partner? Click the “share” button below and send it to someone you love. There is no better gift than the gift of time.