Hands Free

For a few months now, I've noticed some great little snippets posted on Facebook from a page called 'The Hands Free Revolution". Good thoughts about letting go of distractions, putting the phone down, and tuning into life and noticing our families better. 

I pulled out my Kindle that had been hiding in my dresser, and started using it more. I love to read, but with kids, there's not much time for reading. I started reading the sample of this great book from Rachel, her Hands Free book. Such a good read. Nothing super huge and earth shattering, but something really good. 

I've noticed that we live in a heavy technology age today. Nearly everyone has a phone that has goodies on it to distract us. When I'm at parks with the kids, I've seen other parents looking at their phones, while their kids play by themselves. I'm totally guilty of it. I remember thinking to myself before I had an Iphone, "I'm never going to be on it all the time looking at stuff while my kids are up." Ha! What a load of crap. I'm totally a victim, getting sucked into checking Pinterest, FB or anything else. I love Pinterest, and I love catching up with friends, and especially reading the homeschool groups on FB, but I must learn to harness it. 

I've wanted to make a change for better with this habit. When I read Rachel's blog post on 'How to Miss a Childhood', that really hit me. Such a good read. Since then, I've wanted to make a conscious effort to do better, to put the phone down more, check it less, and tune it to my family better. I always can tell when my kids start acting up. It's mostly because I'm not spending enough time with them because of the stupid phone, or thinking I need to clean something up, laundry, etc. 

So, I got her e-book, and began to read more. It's a wonderful book. I just wanted to share some tidbits with you.

"Hands Free is not about being perfect; nor is it about being hyperfocused on the people I love. It is simply about making a conscious effort each and every day to connect. 

It is togetherness.

It is communication. 

It is fogiveness.

It is unconditional love. 

The most life changing experiences happen when I stop trying to control and simply let things unfold.

By shutting down your devices periodically each day, you are able to protect your time, strengthen your relationships, and nurture your own health and well being. Giving yourself a chance to notice the details that make life worth living is time well spent."

I encourage you to check out Rachel's Hands Free blog. It's filled with goodness. I think it not only applies to mothers who are missing out on their kids moments, but to all ages, and to all stages in life. Life is just too short, and it keeps flying by. Just had to share:)