Can we talk about hitting the reset button? This summer was pretty rough for me, personally. I had a lot of shit going on emotionally, combined with too much work on my plate, and spotty childcare options. It was Rough—yes, with a capital R. Several family members flew across the country just to give me a little relief, and for that, I couldn’t be more grateful. I'm not one to ever ask for help or lean on people, but it was a crazy period. Thankfully, it’s coming to a close. Book edits are done, daycare is back in session, and life is calming down.
My plan for Fall is to relax. Sit and do nothing, enjoy a cup of tea without my phone near me, and hit the pause button in life.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I keep falling down rabbit holes of articles talking about how much time we spend on our phones and how it’s killing our brains. I read these types of articles on my phone (ever so ironically), and vow to put my phone down for the rest of the day. It lasts for all of 20 minutes. I’m basically consuming content about how we consume too much content. It didn’t sink in for me until I heard these sweet, sweet words: we’re mistaking virtual interaction for real interaction.
Upon hearing those words, I dropped my phone, grabbed my favorite tea, and set out to reconnect with my friends IN REAL LIFE. I wouldn’t peruse my best friend’s Facebook page to see what she was up to. I would actually drive to her house and enjoy a pot of tea with her. I wouldn’t mindlessly scroll on instagram to see what my other best friend had been baking, I would actually call her to ask. And I’d listen to her Canadian accent talk about how exciting cooking with her toddler has been lately.
And though you and I are talking on the internet right now, I really wish we could sit down and enjoy some tea together. I want to actually look you in the eyes, hear about what you’ve been baking lately, and find out where you’re spending the holidays.
But since I can’t set tea time dates with all of you, I think you should call your real best friend instead. Stop texting her, and sit down to share a pot of tea instead. I promise it will be loads more fun, and approximately 156 more inside jokes will arise since you’re not just texting.
I’m so glad that Pure Leaf reminded me how important it is to spend time with those we love in real life. They apparently read my blog (how cool is that?), and they asked me if I wanted to review their new tea line. I felt like they had just snooped around my kitchen and seen my cabinet overflowing with teas and my teetering collection of tea cups. I might love tea just as much as the folks at Pure Leaf do. They sent me their new bagged and loose-leaf tea varieties to try, and it was like Christmas morning for me. I’m so excited to know that my regular grocery store has such great-quality tea now. And loose-leaf tea, too! I used to have the hardest time finding great quality loose-leaf tea, but these single-origin tea offerings are it for me.
Recap: put down your phone, grab some tea, and hang out with people in real life. You feel me?
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough says
I knew my phone addiction was bad when I was literally up to date on all of my social media feeds, set down my phone, and picked it up 2 minutes later to see what I'd missed. So now I'm being much more conscious of my technology use in general. A cup of tea with a friend sounds so much more lovely than being glued to my phone, anyway. ;)
Hugs to you, friend, in this season of rest. xo
Christina Lane says
I was doing the exact same thing. It was embarrassing! I wish we could have tea together. And watch the babes play in the background :) <3
allison says
I heard the iced variety was "the best ever". I'll have to take my friend's word for it since I am not a tea person, but did stock up for my sister's next visit.
Just spent the most wonderful weekend with my bestie, ignoring my phone and kicking up huge piles of leaves in the park. Is there anything better?
Wishing you a season of restfulness and joy.
Christina Lane says
It seriously is, Allison! You just steep it hot, and then add a ton of ice. It's so fresh!
Your weekend sounds incredible. I love that you ignored your phone :)
Wishing you a great season, too! Thanks for writing me :) <3
dixya @food, pleasure, and health says
lately, i have been trying to disconnect myself from technology and actually be present and enjoy things. first thing i did was remove facebook from my phone, which helped tremendously. with work, school, and other things, it is so hard to practice self-care but my idea of winding down is with tea as well. my cabinet is full of different types of tea as well..i want to stock up on more types but i need to wait and get through half of it..
Christina Lane says
That sounds like a good plan, Dixya! Hey, speaking of...you live in Dallas, don't you? We're moving back next year. I'd love to meet you and have tea in real life!! <3