It never ceases to amaze me with the latest and greatest in technology how we can falter on the simple things.  We have so many gadgets and gizmos to help us with getting more things done in a shorter amount of time but are we really focusing on the important things?

For example, I saw a commercial tonight for a new car that has a cell phone built into the dash board.  It helps us talk, hands free, while we drive.  It helps us communicate on long car trips or when we’re just running out to pick up a few things.

Another example, is the new toy that I just got… the Palm Treo 680.  Yes, I sat in the airport and checked my email, responded, chatted through instant messenger and talked on the phone all from the palm of my hand.  It was great.

But then, I stopped to think.  What would I be doing if I weren’t able to communicate right now?  What would I do to pass the time?

I’d be reading.  Perhaps I would be taking in the new sights or walking around.

You see, everytime something is introduced to help us save time, we cram something else in there.  We use the microwave to cook meals, allowing us a few more minutes to work.

We chat through IM so that we can work and chat or carry multiple conversations at once.

Each new gadget leaves us wanting more, and still complaining that there just isn’t enough time in the day.

Think back to when there were no answering machines.  What did you do when you missed a call?  Nothing because you didn’t know that you missed it.

Prior to cell phones, what did you do when you were out of the home?  Nothing.  You waited until you got home or back the office and checked messages and then acted on it.

You’re all still alive.

Take some time away from technology.  Take some time away from cramming so many things into a tight spot and continuing to add to the chaos.

Go ahead.  Today, take an hour where you don’t answer the cell phone or email and see what else you can do to fill that time.

Chances are, you’ll enjoy it.

I know I do.

Until next time…

Heather