It wasn’t until about the 5th day before I realized I hadn’t had any contact with the outside world…well, at least anyone outside the campground. And I am one of the few adults left in North America who doesn’t…

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Written By Gretta Kennedy, Traveling Islanders

A few weeks ago my family went camping.  We slept in a tent, enjoyed cooking on a little stove and spent our days riding bikes and playing at the beach. There’s just something about camping that brings me to my happy place.  The simplicity. The joy.  The nature. It’s intoxicating for me.

We were gone for nine days.  Our campground was full of places to explore.  Massive ant hills, rustic trails for bike riding. And it was right on the beach. Warm salt water, crabs under most rocks, sand dollars, sun, breezes and beautiful sunsets. Every day we found a new adventure. Every day we worked together to get food prepared and cleaned up. Every day we read books. And every night we fell asleep in the fresh air while listening to crickets and the occasional owl.

It wasn’t until about the 5th day before I realized I hadn’t had any contact with the outside world…well, at least anyone outside the campground. I left the computer at home, we watched no TV or movies, and I believe I am one of the few adults left in North America who doesn’t own a cell phone.

There was no Facebook. No pinterest. No news. Nothing. I completely unplugged. And I liked it.

I didn’t miss the time I usually spend on technology because I was spending it with my family…fully engaged.  I was busy making memories and enjoying life’s simple pleasures.  We laughed.  We imagined.

Coming home has an odd feeling to it. The weight of responsibility creeps back into the forefront of the mind. The “to do” list gets pulled out once again and added to. And then, as if drawn by a magnet, the technology beckons.  And before I know it, I’m back to life as it was before going camping.  And I’m thankful for the time I spent on holiday with my family.

You see, the to do list will always be waiting for you at home.  The responsibilities will not go away. But while on vacation, you can leave the computer behind.  You can turn the phone off.

You can live simply and be fully present with those around you, making lasting memories.

And so, as I sit here and remember camping with fondness, I’m reminded of the importance of unplugging and investing relationally. I’m challenged to get off the computer a bit more. Log in to Facebook less. And instead, bake more with the kids. Go to another park with them. Drink a cup of coffee with my husband out on the deck. Enjoy conversation.

So how about it? Can you fully unplug the next time you’re away? Can you log in less while you’re at home? I promise, you won’t regret it.

(Of course, none of this applies to reading traveling islanders! HA!)