Our televisions have over 300 channels to choose from. There are so many good movies to watch on Netflix. The Internet is so darn addictive. We hop on Facebook to quickly peruse our friends' status updates and somehow get sucked down the rabbit hole of liking updates, clicking on trending topics and reading news scandals. And that's before we even go on Twitter. We've got plenty of time for screen time at home, but here's a question: while we're viewing these screens, what's going on in the background?
Are the dishes piled up in the sink? Is the clutter accumulating on the dining room table? Is the food supply in the refrigerator running on empty? What's for dinner tonight? What about breakfast tomorrow? Are the bedroom drawers stuffed to the brim with clothes that are rarely worn? Is the piano collecting an impressive layer of dust?
With all of the glittery distractions of modern day technology and entertainment, our home life is suffering. Even when we finally manage to do something relatively domestic we feel compelled to snap a picture of it and share it on Instagram only to await the first like.
Is it possible to find a balance and be able to enjoy the wonders of the Internet and our favorite shows while also living well at home? With a little self-discipline and a change of perspective, it is possible to make our home life a priority again.
First, we have to ask ourselves why we feel such resistance toward washing those dishes in the sink or clearing the clutter in the living room. Can we change our perspective and think about those traditionally mundane tasks as being pleasurable rather than tedious? Can we slow down and actually enjoy tending to our home for the benefit of ourselves and our families? When we do this, something curious happens.The entire family starts to notice. Things shift and because you care, your children care too. Your spouse starts to care.
You realize that you don't need to take a picture of your supper and share it online. You can actually just enjoy it with your family. Do they "like" it? What are their comments on the meal? Can you all come together as you each tackle a junk drawer and laugh at the random objects those drawers contain? Can you shut down the screens, dust off that piano and sit down and play? What's happening while this is going on? Are your children dancing freely around the living room, singing off-tune?
Feel the intense satisfaction of the present moment. Be in it. This is what home life is all about: family and connection. If you want to share your experience on Twitter later, go for it, but right now make being in this moment a priority. Commit to making your home life a priority again. Because living well at home lays the foundation for thriving in every other aspect of your life.