I find it amusing when a blogger decides it’s her new life mission to get everyone to take a #Digital Sabbatical this July. The intention is good and the idea is thought-provoking.
But isn’t it always best to look within? If the idea intrigues you, by all means follow the crowd. Just be sure to check your own heart, your own rhythm, and your own life vision first.
July is a strategic time to take a digital sabbatical. Readership takes a sudden dip after July 4th in many blog niches. Most readers are smart enough to get out in the sun and fun. So it’s not supremely courageous to take a break in July. It’s just common sense. Unless you’re addicted to social media. Then it’s courageous to take a break any time!
Sandra,
I agree with your point of view here. I’ve shifted to doing less online; and more in life. This leads to periods of complete disconnection along with appropriate returns along the way. So far, this mix is working for me.
Alex
I’m glad you found the right mix, Alex. You’re an inspiration for us!
That term (digital sabbatical) is amusing. I haven’t heard it before. I like it because it can have multiple meanings. Besides the information connotation, digital also means “with the fingers”. I’m fingering less on the computer and phone lately, but playing a lot more guitar and various percussion instruments. Sabbatical – sabbath – shabbat – a ceasing, a rest from work. I’m doing that part. Working less. Living more. I think it’s making learning easier.
I’m glad you are having fun with that term! Taking “rests” from work, living more, and finding it makes living easier. Sounds perfect!
Taking a rest from work is always Necessary. I found that balance is necessary for exceptional work! YOu can’t work all the time and be 100% great. It take a toll on one’s body n mind. The creative juices tend to die out and need time to re-coupe. So it’s best to just take a break…remember to never quit and keep moving when your ready!!!!
First time I hear this term as well. I prefer daily mini Digital sabbaticals!
Maya, That’s another way! Personally, I don’t think there’s one right way. I’m glad you found a good way for you.
Interesting post Sandra, totally understand what you are saying- I think it depends on how you see Social media as something you need a holiday from or is it something that you integrate in a balanced way into you daily life- I am working on this. to get balance.
Without social media- I would not have met you and many of my like minded friends that I know from this wonderful world.
thanks for sharing- BTW
namaste
Suzie
Exactly, Suzie! We all perceive and interrelate with social media in different ways, so there can never be one right way for any of us. There are many wonderful benefits from social media like meeting you, too! As you so wisely point out, it all comes back to whether we are able to live life in a balanced way. Something most of us are still learning. I surely am! Thanks for your thoughts.
I was wondering if anyone was going to comment on that idea! I probably will focus more on other kinds of writing in July, as opposed to taking a sabbatical.
Happy Eclipse!
Yes, I took the bait! That sounds like a perfect plan for July, Meg. Gwen Bell stills writes when she takes a digital sabbatical; seems like the phrase can mean different things depending on how you choose to define it. I plan to do a one week retreat in July so that means being offline too. Not for the purpose of a digital sabbatical, but that will be the secondary gain! Thanks for your thoughts.
Hmmmm…I like Suzie’s interpretation. Maybe if someone feels the need to take a sabbatical, the overall balance of everything needs to be considered and adjusted. Thanks for proposing the idea. I may cut back a little and just spend time with my boys and the sunshine. I also like Maya’s idea of mini sabbaticals but I would feel disconnected for too long.
Spending time with your boys and the sunshine sounds good! I agree with you and Suzie. I don’t think a digital sabbatical in July [or any time] is necessary or the right choice for everyone. But it’s good to get our thought-juices stimulated!
Darling Sandra,
I’m completely with you on this point of view. A sabbatical of any kind must come from the heart. The need must arise at the core…then and only then will you truly enjoy a ‘rest’.
Like Alex I also have days when I am not online at all. Life keeps me so occupied…with hubs baby family work…etc…but I love my online time too. So when I’m online I’m all heart all there…completely..and when I’m offline I’m all there too. I cant stand in coffee shops and restaurants with my laptop on doing something else..while I have my family wanting to spend time with me.
I suppose living from your heart and totally int he moment has that effect.
I’m way past whats the IN thing to do ;)
Love your simple blog look :)
Sending you lots of love,
Z~
Z ~ I love how you are way past the IN thing to do! Being in the moment is really the magic bullet that solves so many of our problems. Pairing it with a loving heart is a dynamic combo. Those are the super powers we need! You are brilliant as always.
Sandra,
I often wonder if I moved back to a tropical island, would I spend as much time on social media as I do now, or would I enjoy the peace and serenity that those surroundings bring? Sometimes I question the number of hours sitting in front of my screen, however, office jobs also require days indoors.So I guess balance is always key. Now I need to figure out organization too.
That’s a fabulous question, Sonia. Perhaps you could write about that on your blog. I do live on a tropical island! It depends on what one’s goals are, it seems to me. Balance though is what keeps us sane!
Thanks Sandra. It’s something I think about daily as I’d love to move to another island in the Caribbean and when I lived in Belize in 2005, I wasn’t into social media or blogging. Now it’s almost scary to think that if I wanted to live in peace and quiet for 6 months, I couldn’t without losing everything I’ve been working towards, and in a way that makes me very sad. What do you think since you live in a peaceful environment?
Sonia,
I think there’s a time and place for everything and that our life goes through different cycles or phases. There are times when it’s appropriate to be out and active in the world [in this case, the blog world/author world] and other times when it’s more fitting to be inner and quiet. It sounds like you are in a “building” phase of your life right now. There’s nothing wrong with that and I’m sure you will reap many benefits from it. When the time comes to enter a more quiet phase, I have no doubts that you will find the best ways to do that just as you found your way to Belize and experienced so much healing and transformation for your whole family there.
Even if you develop a super successful blog and your book becomes a bestseller, there are always ways to take a break or shift in a new direction. For example, you could bring on other writers on your blog or decide to sell your blog altogether if it’s a super popular one. Even Copyblogger reduces its posting schedule in July and August. And even popular bloggers and authors take breaks. I understand the fear of losing everything if you were to take a break, but I don’t think that would necessarily be the case. There are ways to work skillfully around the challenges or move happily in new directions.
I think this exact questions comes up whenever anyone is successful in any arena. It’s an important consideration and I think it’s fantastic that you are thinking about it now.
I’m in a more quiet and inner phase of my life now so I do try to limit my time online and spend time in nature and in meditation, especially given that I live in a beautiful environment. On the other hand, I see my writing and my blog as one way that I contribute to the world, so I’m not going to drop it altogether. I’m continually seeking to find the right balance for me.
I hope this answers your questions and helps to allay your concerns.
Hi Sandra,
Following the crowd for following’s sake might not always be the best idea. Since we are all wired differently, we need rest at different times. If there are going to be less readers after July 4th, maybe it is a good time to do some restructuring to the blog or some other things to prepare it for the return of readers eventually. That’s basically what I have in mind and I’ll see how it goes. :)
Irving the Vizier
Irving,
It does make sense to look at external trends and plan strategically in addition to tuning in to our own heart and goals and the rhythm of the season too. There’s so much interconnection. You seem to have a good plan in place for the summer.
Look out–Sandra’s going rogue! Going against the crowd and encouraging us to think for ourselves. Radical. This post and your recent observation about the World Domination Summit indicate a dangerous tendency toward individual accounatability and independence. Be very afraid. (Hope you know I”m just teasing, with much affection and appreciation.) Interestingly, I just posted something myself about about managing the time devoted to blog-related activities. I have enjoyed hearing so many different views from commenters.
Galen, I love your humor. The lunar eclipse seems to have brought out my contrary, provocative side! The fires been lit! There’s more to come. But will attempt to balance it with love, appreciation and humor. I’m going to run right over and see what’s on your mind/blog! Always love to hear from you.
Usually the best thing outside of work and digital time, to get back onto my bike. I’m a regular cyclist and it’s my form of transportation so I must get around to do stuff.
And then back at computer in evening. I don’t have an ipad, iphone yet. So when am on vacation, I still have a need to check my blogs and email once a day for about half an hr. minimum.
another reason why I don’t want mobile Internet access in iphone, etc. I really don’t need it.
Hi Jean,
Getting on the bike is a great way to get away from the digital world for awhile. I know you blog in part for business so naturally there’s an important motivation to stay connected. I don’t have those other digital wonders either. In fact, there isn’t cell phone coverage where I live. So that gives me more freedom too. It’s nice to “see” you. Thanks for your thoughts.
Hi Sandra,
I’ve decided to blog less, comment less, and write more this summer. I never got hooked on social media. My goal is to begin using it more! I’m on my way to Michigan to help my sister with my niece’s graduation party. Then to Seattle to run a 1/2 marathon, one daughter and boyfriend meeting us there. Then we’ll vacation a week before we head home. I have some guest posts lined up. Let the fun begin!
Tess,
I love hearing about your plans for the summer. Sounds like you’ve got some good times planned! If you are blogging less, what will you be writing? Is it a secret? Enjoy all the fun you have ahead.
Hey Sandra
I totally agree…marching to someone else’s drum beat guarantees nothing more than you’ll be out of step. I’m quizzy though, what’s the stealth marketing ploy you’re referring too? In terms of digital sabbaticals…they should be done when they’re needed! ;-)
Hi Angela,
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Sometimes, when you take a digital sabbatical, it can be a chance to pump up your marketing > working with me now because I will be away… All the best to you.