My hand has a mind of its own
Hi ReaderI have to be honest with you. This week has been a battle. Now that the novelty of my 34-day "blackout" has faded, I am finding that my old habits are trying to creep back in. I have caught my hand automatically reaching for my phone more times than I would like to admit. Sometimes I do not even have a reason to pick it up. I just do. I find myself hearing my own voice say: "No. Put it down. You do not have a reason to be on this right now." The Rule I Broke I also have to confess that I broke one of my own rules this week. I am still not back on WhatsApp groups, but I did respond to one friend. (that is the only way we talk). She had reached out through a mutual contact because she was worried about me. I sent a quick note just to say: "I am okay. I am just taking a break. I will be back next month." It felt like the right thing to do, but it reminded me of how much my "absence" is felt by others. The Cost of Silence I had a very honest conversation this week with someone who felt neglected. Because I did not send a "heads up" before I went silent, they felt hurt that our shared projects were sitting in limbo. We were able to talk it through, and she understood, but it was a definitive moment for me. During that 34-day fast, my ego was incredibly vulnerable. I am realizing that a lot of my "need to be available" was actually tied to my own sense of importance. I will be sharing a lot more about that "Ego Audit" in the upcoming book. Finding Stillness in the Noise Because life is louder this week (busy with birthdays and work), I have had to be even more intentional about carving out quiet time. Two things have been my lifelines:
My Push for You This Week You might feel like you are failing because you still feel the urge to scroll, or stop the thing you have said you would, or maybe because your silence is making people uncomfortable. Do not give up. The fact that you notice the friction is proof that you are winning. You are no longer a slave to the "ping or the thing." "But I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content." — Psalm 131:2 (NIV) A "weaned child" no longer cries for the immediate "fix" (the phone/the milk); it is content just to be in the presence of the Mother (or the Father). This is the goal. P.S. To answer the question many of you have asked: No, I have not returned to WhatsApp groups yet. I am protecting this peace as long as I can. The Book Update: A First Look I’m currently putting the final touches on the 34-day retrospect, and I’ve decided I don't want to keep it all to myself until the official launch. Keep an eye on your inbox early next week. I’ll be sending out Chapter 1 as a special teaser for this community. I’ll also be opening up the early pre-order for the E-book. If these reports have helped you rethink your relationship with your screen, this book is going to give you the full roadmap I used to find my voice again. I can’t wait for you to read the first few pages. Stay focused on what God has put in your heart. He is closer than you think, even in the middle of a busy week. Stay paced, Simplicity Elevated Fumi PB |