Life Beyond the Screen

Flashback to 10 years ago...

Social media was just beginning, selfies were taken before they were classified as selfies, filters were meant for coffee makers, and life was lived outside with one another.

I am not saying life was fantastic 10 years ago or that I don't appreciate being able to connect with others at the slide of my finger or that staying informed and up to date on current events isn't wonderful.

However, I look back to 10 years ago and then I flash forward 10 years, and so much has changed and it isn't slowing down. Life is flying by and most people are living their lives in the palm of their hands, rather than head-on.

Are we going to be so disconnected in the next 10 years that we won't be able to hold in-person conversations? Are interviews going to be a thing of the past? Are kids going to be too exposed to adult problems? Will they know how to play outside without their phones? Will family dinners consist of taking pictures of food and instant uploads, rather than eating and enjoying each other's time?

Don't get me wrong, because of remote access, and life in the digital age, I am able to work in the restaurant industry... 900 miles away from my office, in the comfort of my own home. It is wonderful and I am truly lucky to have this opportunity. Yet, I still have a hard time adjusting to not being a part of the action, in person connections, and engaging with guests.

Human connection is something we all need. Honest and real conversations are things I thoroughly enjoy. Living life by moments and not by the number of likes or views that I receive. If life, happiness, and success were to be measured by "likes," then a whole lot of people wouldn't be where they are today.

It is said far too often and in such an emotionless way, that a child killed themselves, or killed one another, that a person who was fired from their job or in over their heads, took their own life. Why is this happening? Are we so disconnected from human relationships that rather than actually reaching out in person, we post a smiley face or #postivevibes in their comments, because we think that helps? Are we as adults and parents, so wound up with work, that we bring the stress home, and we make every excuse as to why we don't turn it off, that we can't see things happening in our own homes?

What are we doing?

A life lived in constant comparison, isn't healthy. Life is not meant to be lived through the screen. Life is meant to be lived, to its fullest, with one another.

There are a few things in this world we have control over. Believe it or not, social media and screen time is one of them.

I challenge you to have dinner as a family, no phones. Go to a bar with your friends, no social media. Go to a game or concert and not watch it through your Snapchat. Call your family and friends; don't text, email, DM, or IM.

I don't have all the answers and I most definitely have to work on a few of these things as well, but I promise you, once you recognize there is life beyond the screen, you might just enjoy life a little bit better than you did before.