Photo by Netream
Today I’m pondering the concept of time – how I use it, how I misuse it, how I could better use it and what things are a complete waste of it.
The last several days I’ve been following a thread on Twitter about blogging tips (#savvyblogging) which I’ve really enjoyed. I signed up on Twitter a while ago but never really used it because I never really “got” it. But after this last week, now I see how this can be such a wonderful way to connect with others and most importantly, learn lots of cool stuff (and offer a little help too).
But now I’m conflicted…
…because it has sucked up a lot of my time.
I’ve found myself constantly pulled to it and distracted by it. There have been these ever-present nagging thoughts: “I wonder if anyone responded,” or “Are there any new tweets,” etc. the last week. I’ve been over-eager to jump on the computer to “just check.” As much as I would love a cell phone with internet access *coughiPhonecough* I really think it’s better I don’t. Wow. I’m bad enough as it is.
Certainly I can’t be the only one, right? Right? I’m amazed at how many tweets some people pump out in a day. That goes for Facebook too. So. many. updates. When are you all doing this? That’s what I want to know. Because either I just haven’t figured out a good balance here or the whole thing is a tad bit disturbing. And I’m right there joking about it with the best of ‘em. But should I be?
I know how much time I’ve spent on Twitter the last few days. I know how many times I’ve told my children to “just wait a minute” or “hold on, I’m writing to someone” or “I’ll get you some water after I finish this.” I’m ashamed to admit I essentially turned down my daughter’s request to hang out with her the other night so I could instead interact with people on a computer screen who are “somewhere out there” many of whom I don’t know from Adam. Talk about a seriously wasted opportunity.
Obviously there is nothing inherently evil about Twitter or Facebook. There must be a “right” way to use them, but if so, I certainly haven’t found it.
I firmly believe life is a series of trade-offs. What occupies my time over here, takes away from something else over there. And the way I’ve got it set up now, it’s some never-to-be-seen-again family time I’m trading away.
Help me out here. What do you think? Any advice?
Related posts:
My goal at WithPurpose.com is to help you streamline life so you can spend more time, energy and money on what you want to do and less on what you have to do. Browse the categories across the top or 
You are absolutely right. It is so tough to balance. In the beginning of anything new like Twitter or forums or whatever, I tend to go overboard. Then I taper off and learn to strike a balance.
Yes, these things are very useful, but they definitely can suck up all your waking moments. One rule I try to stick to unless there is something I really need, is to stay away from the internet until after lunch. Keeps my day in order better.
Blessings,
Amy
Amy´s last blog ..Breastfeeding: The Memory of Emily
I think it’s a balancing act. On one hand, we have our children and spouse to focus on, but on the other, we have a right to have our own hobby. I think all moms are inherently multi-taskers, so I use spare moments to blog and interact on the internet ie when making dinner or after the kids go to bed.
It can easily become a distraction and I have found myself trading special moments as well for blogging or facebooking. I don’t twitter though. That’s where I draw the line. I’m kidding. I was trying to sound discplined when I actually am just confused by the whole thing and haven’t figured out how to do it yet. I confess that I have an iphone and I love it but I don’t find myself accessing fb very much from it nor do I blog from it.It’s nice to be out and know when an email comes through but not feel bound to have to check it immediately.
I like your thought of not checking fb, twitter or blogging until after lunch. Mornings are my most productive time and it’s so very easy to get sucked in once I sit down to the computer. One post links to another which reminds me of a similar blogging buddy who I haven’t read in a while so I skip on over to their blog and they reference a giveway to another blogging friend and WAH-LAH there goes an hour before I even finish my coffee! I will try the after lunch goal. Thanks for the great encouragement and idea.
I have not joined for that very reason. I want to. You know, because all the cool kids are doing it. But I know how sucking such things can be for me, so I’ve declined. Some days I think I should so I can try to generate some traffic to my blog. Then I come back to my senses and know that I don’t need another attention suck. It really is enticing, though, because I live a fairly isolated life in my village and talking to anyone, regardless of whether I know them or not, has a draw to it.
I’m not much help. Just giving my thoughts on it…
@Amy – Overboard? Me too. That always seems to happen to me too at first.
@Cop Mama – Agreed. Some “me” time is so important. I think at the beginning of motherhood I always felt guilty about that until I realized I am actually a *better* mom if I have my own space. Finding it hard to strike a balance though.
@Melody – No confession needed at all for an iPhone! I think they are GREAT! And so useful for so many people; sounds like it works well for you. It’s like anything – a great tool if you’ve got some discipline but dangerous if you don’t. I hope to join you in the former group soon!
@Amy & @Melody – Yes, I’ve found the same thing too. If I turn it on in the morning, it generally doesn’t go well the rest of the day. However, I have been working on keeping to a schedule and pencilling “computer time” into my schedule. One of the times I do is early before the kids wake up. Gives me a chance to check email etc. before my day officially starts. Seems to be working so far…then again, it’s only been about a week.
@Carrie – “You know, because all the cool kids are doing it.” Oh man, so true, SO TRUE. Exactly how I feel. And then I feel like an idiot because I do. I suppose I can have a little grace for an adolescent to cave to peer pressure, but an almost 35yo? Man, I gotta pull myself together!
Thanks all for your input. So glad to know I’m in good company!
Hi Amy!
I enjoyed your post and have struggled with being mindful about my time on the computer, too. I like Twitter because it is SHORT! With only 140 characters you get a lot of bang out of your buck, so to speak. I have not taken the Facebook plunge yet, because I’m afraid that will be way too addicting. I’m caving, though, and will probably have a page before too long.
I came across your blog from Twitter.
It works well for me to be on the computer early before kids are up, too.
Thanks for your post! I will be back again to visit soon!
Dana, I agree with you about Twitter – it’s nice that it’s short – except when I spend WAY too much time trying to figure out how to say what I want to say but in only 140 characters.
That happens to me far too much. Gotta work on that.
Thanks for stoppin’ by!