As any other college kid, I was so excited to sit back and do absolutely nothing this winter break. Soon enough, we all realized that we were b o r e d. We finally got the long earned break from homework and stress we were asking for, only to find that we would become bored approximately 3 days afterward. Typically, I work during winter break to make up for all of my poor spending habits when I need retail therapy, but this break I decided against it. Stepping back made me realize several things:

Technology can be toxic.

I get it. Pinterest has so many things catching your gaze and you want to create all these DIY crafts with all the spare time you don't have. (Or are currently wasting) Or maybe you're constantly working; going through emails, responding to several messages, planning the next week or year, blah blah blah. Maybe you're scrolling through Facebook and Twitter to see what everyone else is doing even though you refreshed it 30 seconds ago. Maybe you're just always hunched over your iPhone to ignore awkward situations, or people you don't want to see. Technology is a beautiful thing, don't get me wrong. I use technology to do all of my work and am often obsessing over pins on Pinterest too. But it's crucial for us to find a balance and know when to turn it off.

Another thing is that when we're surrounded by everything on the internet, we focus and want unrealistic things, which can lead to us feeling so degraded. When we feel put down, we overlook the beauty of what's in front of us.

"Sometimes we have to disconnect, to make a connection."

Recently, I came across a video on Facebook (attached below) about disconnecting from technology because you're truly missing out on so many life moments you'll never be able to take back. I'm not going to lie, it hit me like a brick. I felt so convicted. I can't tell you how many family events I have sat on the couch, huddled on my phone because I didn't want to hang out with my family. How pathetic and selfish is that? Man, I can't even tell you how many of my brothers' baseball games I skipped because I just "didn't feel like going". I should've been there to support them 100% of the time. Luckily, I'm almost 20 years old, and I have my whole life ahead of me to make an impact on those I love.

How many of us:

ignore people if they drop something?

ignore our siblings or children when they want us to play with them?

or "watch" them perform something?

Those are the moments we should be living for. Help someone that needs it. Teach kids to ride a bike, participate in cooking with you, show them things you love so that one day they might love that too. Fifty years from now, are you REALLY going to remember what embarrassing picture or meme someone posted online? Or are you going to remember and cherish the time you taught someone how to do something or enjoyed coffee with an old friend?

I don't have enough time.

We've all heard that phrase before. The, "Yeah, I'd really love to go out with you but I have other stuff I REALLY have to do first." (when really you just sit at home alone and watch Netflix or surf the web for hours) Yeah. Right. While it is okay to spend time home alone on occasion and get quality me time, it's also important to support and cherish time with your loved ones. If you give someone a chance, they might actually surprise you and make a mark on your life. On that note, if you are putting work or things before your relationships, you shouldn't be surprised if they begin to crumble before you. It takes two to keep a relationship going, and don't forget to give time to those around you. I know that I tend to get wrapped up in my work and am so excited to continue. But at the end of the day, remember to put your laptop down, and turn off your "work" brain. Then you have no excuse for not having time to spend with your friends and family. I guarantee you your family and friends will make a bigger impact and memories with you than slaving away working. (Although it's understandable when you do have to do some work at home) (Just not excessively) Still don't think you have the time? Write down everything you do for an entire week, and look at how much open time you have or waste. It'll make a difference.

Do more, Be more.

I've really been trying to live by this motto lately. As we all know, actions speak louder than words. If you want to leave an impression on someone, be the inspiration. Want each of your children or siblings to be fierce, a leader, loyal, honest, ambitious, authentic, courageous or simply happy? BE all of those things. Do more than sit on your couch and look it up online or watch movies on it. Go out and do it. I think sometimes we have these ideas in our heads that we aren't capable of doing something because it just wasn't meant to be, or we will never have enough money, or we just don't have the time. You DO. You are more than capable of doing anything. Just because you don't have the money right now, doesn't mean you can't plan it, save up, and go. My friend C.S. Lewis said,

"You're never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."

Don't be afraid to act on something you wish to pursue. If that's your dream, make it happen. Now, by all means. don't up and quit your day job or drop out of school. You wanna learn to create a website or blog? Take a coding class. Love photography, dance, Zumba, drawing? Shoot pictures on the side, take a dance class, go buy a sketchbook for all your radical ideas. If you want something, make it happen. Make it your hobby and pursue the heck out of it. I guarantee you'll be happier doing one thing that you love.

Conclusion

Lesson being put your phone down and explore and love the world you live in. There are so many beautiful things we're simply overlooking due to our obsession with technology. While it's used for so many positive things, anything excessive can create a negative outcome. Don't forget to spend time with those around you and cherish what you have. Please understand and respect if I don't respond to texts or emails right away because I want to focus on those I'm with and respect and appreciate their time. :)

Please watch the videos below! I found them pretty convicting.