We were on a budget holiday, staying in a cabin in a caravan park. Ten days with no computer, Playstation, phone (I MUST CONFESS: it was in the days before smart phones!) or friends. I didn’t even bring a book to read! Boring, right? Wrong!
Although it was nothing flash, that holiday is one of my favourite memories, because I discovered the joy of being … bored!
For a start, we enjoyed quality family time. Having ten days of “nothingness” allowed us to celebrate the little things in life, like lingering together over a cup of tea while enjoying the view, or taking the time to have a barbecue for breakfast. We went for walks, “just because”. Not surprisingly, conversation blossomed in this laid back atmosphere.
At first it didn’t come easily. I’m used to two speeds in my life – full steam ahead, or a complete full stop (asleep in bed)! But within a day or two we’d thrown off the confines of our regular routines, the coils and knots in our brains loosened, and our minds were free to explore new horizons.
Not surprisingly, my mind was flooded with fresh ideas for articles and blog posts hat I wanted to write: the creative juices weren’t just flowing, they were cascading! (I mentioned this in my post last week about Generating Blog Ideas).
So next time the computer succumbs to a virus, the TV bites the dust, or you have the opportunity to “run away” from the real world for a while, do it.
Let’s throw out the old saying “an idle mind is the devil’s playground” and realise that in the 21st century, “it’s good to be bored”!
Do you get bored often? Love it or hate it?
I wish I had time to be bored, I haven’t been bored since I had kids! Sounds like my idea of a holiday Janet! Thanks so much linking up hunny, much appreciated!
Em xx
True, it’s obvious my kids were quite a bit older than yours, even when we went on this holiday (which was 2008 from memory!)
If we went on a holiday like that I’d have to listen to my boys complaining they’re bored even if I wasn’t bored. I think I could cope without technology as long as I had books, but no books too! Not sure I could cope. It’s great that it got you guys talking and your creativity flowing. xo
I have a habit of getting completely engrossed in a book to the exclusion of all else so didn’t think it was fair to “opt out” of the family like that. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that hard! I think I missed books the most though.
I did this for Easter last year. We went down to the beach for the weekend. I took my phone but I deleted the SM apps off it so that I wasn’t tempted. It was great to switch off.
Yep I think we all need to switch off occasionally. I was mostly switched off this weekend just gone 🙂
Thanks for this post. Such a great reminder that conversation is sooo important. I can relax and get into the groove but I think our automatic response when there is no TV, computer or smart phones is to not think.
Now this sounds like utter bliss.