Disconnecting = Rewarding

I have been talking about connections and brands that influence me and have an impact on my life both positive and negative. But, how about disconnecting? Not letting any brands in.

This past weekend I decided to unplug from the broadcast world, the digital world, the print world, and the mobile world.

Did I miss anything? Probably. Did I miss anything important? Possibly. Did I miss anything that I could not live without? Nope. Did I miss anything that would have made my weekend better? No way.

My in-laws came to town on Friday and we spent the evening talking and catching up. We had not seen them for almost 2 months. It was a relaxing way to end a busy week.

On Saturday our daughter had a soccer game about 30 minutes from home. No radio blasting. No kids with their heads down playing on my iPhone. And I didn't have my head buried in the iPhone either - checking emails, getting sports scores, or making sure I checked in at the Blaine Sports Complex via FourSquare. My wife was amazed.

Saturday evening was spent playing board games like Apples to Apples and Spongebob Monopoly. No TV or radio on in the background. Only the sound of our family and laughter, and maybe a little fighting between our two kids.

On Sunday, our daughter had her 1st Communion at church. We had the entire Dahlgren clan over on a beautiful afternoon. Outside shooting hoops, playing on the trampoline, and having conversations that did not require talking over the radio in the garage.

My goal is to disconnect at least one weekend a month. Why don't you try too? You actually might find little rewards along the way and and some big ones too.