Really, I did. It’s embarrassing to admit, and I generally consider myself good at knowing where to draw the line with social media use, but what I didn’t consider was the subconscious effects that occur even when I’m not holding my phone. A recent study by scientists at UT Austin suggests that the mere presence of our phones reduces available cognitive capacity and impairs cognitive functioning. It makes sense if you think about it; overriding the idea that we might be missing something takes up more brain power than we care to admit. So, lesson number one, phone not allowed near the blog. Period.
The dichotomy though, is that social media and connectivity are actually wonderful parts of life. As I have thought about the identity of In Her Own Write, I have derived inspiration from following people like Rachel Hollis and Tim Ferriss, reading sites like Greatist and Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop, and even considering what I find most helpful from platforms like Headspace and Astrology.com. Not to mention in the process of getting “distracted” I talked to my mom, called my best friend, connected with my sister, got an important update from my boss, checked the weather, scheduled a doctors appointment…the list goes on, but all are productive and important. So where is the balance?
While “everything in moderation” may be the biggest trope out there, it is one that I constantly come back to. The proof really is in the pudding. When I think back to my lowest moments (and yes, despite living a life of amazing privilege I have fought my own mental health battle) they all stemmed from me being totally off-balance–not sleeping, not eating, not taking time to be alone, working too much, lacking structure, etc.
I have come to realize that balance is a working thesis, something to strive for. It may even be the intention of this blog. How do we find it? How do we navigate the world to be successful while also staying centered? Where do we find joy? How do we take care of ourselves? Of others? How do we prioritize? How do we thrive in our careers and meet our criteria for success, whatever that may be?
These are the questions that keep me up, and it’s my hope that on In Her Own Write you’ll see everything that rolls into that; from relationships to workouts to things that make me crazy and crazy happy and just plain confused. But, solidarity right?