I just turned on my computer for the first time in four days and it feels terrible. Thursday night after closing my doors for a much needed vacation I vowed to not use a computer until tonight. I’ve been dreading the moment I see the Windows animation.
After finalizing Thanksgiving plans I turned my phone to silent mode and made the mistake of answering it on Friday. As soon as I realized the mistake I quickly powered it off and tucked it away. Until tonight I forgot where I left it and it feels pretty good.
Tonight I’m sitting in front of my computer covered from head to toe in sawdust. I used the last few days to finalize Christmas presents for close family. This year I decided to avoid the electronics departments and make most of my gifts.
Not only did I need a vacation from zeros and ones, I needed to temporarily step away from modern technology and take a few days of not being at everyone else’s beckon call. I’ve come to realize cell phones and modern devices are our balls and chains.
To be honest it’s nearly impossible to live without a certain level of technology. My Camry is loaded with technology that beeps and whizzes whenever I do something goofy. Tools I was using this weekend have lasers and gadgets that do all sorts of useless things.
Friday night I found myself reaching for my phone to check text messages and calls I had missed. As I reached for my phone I realized I don’t really need those messages. The phone went back in my console. I had thought about turning on my computer to reference a project I was working on until it hit me I own a book on the subject.
Saturday was much easier. My second day without technology must have been how an addict feels when they’re quitting; I knew the technology was available but just out of reach. Had I turned on my gadgets Saturday I wouldn’t have enjoyed how I felt just prior to turning on the computer tonight.
Tonight is Sunday. Until a few moments ago I had forgotten where I left my phone. I made the decision to turn off the computer as soon as tonight’s two articles are written. I’m looking down a handwritten list I made for myself and am amazed at the number of crossed off items.
Most of the past few days have been spent in the woodshop making furniture. My shop represents a flee from technology, a place where I can go to escape computers and phones. Although it is equipped with internet I haven’t been tempted to connect a computer.
Turning off your equipment isn’t what I’m suggesting because many of us need to be connected. I’m merely suggesting you turn off for even a few hours each day and spend the time doing something different. In my downtime I enjoy being creative with wood or some other media. I have a friend who plays board games with family and another who reads.
I have a slight confession to make now that I’m coming to the close of today’s article. I practice separating myself from technology whenever I go into a store or out to eat. Basically I leave my tech stuff in the car until I’m done. I don’t think I’d make a living if everyone stopped using technology permanently so please don’t turn everything off.
(Jeromy Patriquin is the President of Laptop & Computer Repair, Inc. located at 509 Main St. in Gardner. You can call him at (978) 919-8059 or visit www.LocalComputerWiz.com.)