It’s risky. I’m in my peak earning years, yet work is harder to find and budgets are tighter than ever. The value of my house has dropped, the balance in my 401(k) has plummeted, and the economy sucks. I could be in a world of hurt. But rather than letting my anxiety get the best of me, I’ve stepped away from deadlines and into a sabbatical.”

If you are still sitting in front of your computer, postponing joy, here’s the entire piece.

Last week our friend Emma Gilbey Keller–journalist, bon vivant, supermom, and author of “The Comeback”–began a guest editor position at the XXFactor, a spin-off of Slate. 

I’m pleased to announce that Emma invited me and my family to tell our BreakAway stories for her new blog. 

• If all is working properly, here’s THE LINK!  Check it out.  Maybe even leave a comment!  

Thanks, Emma!  I owe you a Red Stripe! 

In the 139 days since I’ve been back from our latest BreakAway, I’ve noticed some shifts and differences in my mindframe and routine.  Here’s a quick list of 11:

Post-BreakAway I…

• Care less about my home (for better and worse).
• Care less about the kids’ activities—playdates, sports, school. 
• Feel more independent, in too many ways to mention. 
• Feel more attached to a larger (if often invisible) world. 
• Hear inner voices more clearly (but haven’t yet gone completely nuts).  :  ) 
• Made some not-profound discoveries:  Sleep more; play guitar; read daily. 
• Know for sure that few things can compete with sun, exercise, rest, and nature for offering inner peace and calm. 
• Confirmed that the fewer clothes I have to wear, the more free I feel. 
• Believe more passionately than ever in Unplugging; now if only my family…
• Love street culture; islanders hang out a lot, whereas Minnesotans only do in the summer. 
• Get hit hard by the “go-homes” after a BreakAway—but it’s not only worth it, it’s a big part of the personal growth equation. 

Do you like music?  Noise?  Convivial gatherings and raucous laughter?  Me too.  But on the other hand, I’m finding that silence and solitude make my playlist more and more as the years go by.  For this week’s BreakAway BreakThrough, I’m here to remind you to take time out to listen to that little voice within—the one that says things like, “Take it easy,” “Take a break,” and “BreakAway—someday.”  

BABT3: The Silence Treatment… 11 ways to tune in, turn on and peace out

• Find a place—and time of day—to meditate occasionally…after lunch?  Before bed? 
• Sit outside with your eyes closed; hear the birds and feel the breeze. 
• Thoughtstreams rarely stop, so give them short notice and then let them float away. 
• Contemplate one word or idea that you’re trying to increase in your life. 
• Eat in peace:  Savor every flavor, feel the freshness, and bask in gratitude. 
• Lie down and do a “body scan,” in which you slowly feel all body parts from toe to head. 
• If you fall asleep easily, keep your eyes open slightly and stare at something soothing.   
• If “Buster” (that jerk in your head) is barking, beat him back with with an upbeat stick. 
• Unplug before bed:  Turn off all media, digitalia, and people a half-hour before sleep. 
• Walk alone on a country road, a frozen lake, a secluded beach, or a green hill. 
• Expect one insight—whether profound or banal—and ponder it as you re-enter the noise.

 Do you have any favorite zen suggestions–or BreakThrough tips to share?  Leave a comment please!

One of the best benefits of our 69-day BreakAway was that it forced my family into a less digi-centric lifestyle.  And with fresh stimuli and waves surrounding us, nobody seemed to mind.  In fact, they were happier.  But back home, we’re back to tapping and texting and remoting away the day.  But I don’t give in—or up. 

So here are 11 new & improved ways to reduce digi-drain and feel more free. 

• Avoid going to your computer or device first thing in the morning, and last thing at night. 
• Ritualize some prioritized activities, like yoga, meditation, reading, or gardening. 
• Leave ALL tech toys out of your bedroom, and make it a sacred, soothing space. 
• Don’t text and drive.
• Minimize cell-phone driving. 
• Focus on what matters (and manners):  Intentionally leave your cell phone elsewhere when at church, with friends, or having any good conversation. 
• Play games—cards, backgammon, horseshoes—and do puzzles, crosswords, and real stuff with real things you can touch. 
• Create family digi-free zones, times, days, and places. 
• Maintain guidelines for the kids:  Texting the new GF comes after reading, cleaning, and helping out. 
• Avoid giving all your numbers to anyone and everyone; use your different numbers for different people and “time zones” (friends vs. clients, etc.).
• Get outside daily, dammit; it’s so much better than any electro-thrill around.