Unplugging to regain sanity

My favorite saying these days revolves around words such as busy, overwhelmed, strained. It has been a tough second year thus far. My commitments are more time consuming than my academics. However, my academics completely engross me. It is a fine balance between desire, understanding and commitment.

Working close to 30 hours a week and taking two classes is probably not the easiest schedule to balance, but it happens somehow. Somehow I plug away at commitments, papers, and readings. And somehow I manage to squeeze in breakfast dates, dinner catch-up conversations and exercise outings. Those keep me sane and the rest continues to stir stuff up.

In recent days I have decided that it was time to let go of unnecessary things temporarily to better use my time. I stopped updating my Facebook status six days ago because it seemed to be one more activity that could be cut down. I also figured calls and e-mails could suffice for the time being. I have also decided to no longer use my MP3 player during short commutes since it does not leave me open to opportunities for spontaneous conversations or a yell from a friend on campus. Actually, an undergrad I work with told me specifically that I should not use headphones because people might want to stop me and start a conversation. I said, "Well, ok. I will leave the music at home and pay more attention on campus." I love that she scolded me for behavior that creates barriers instead of breaks them down.

Interestingly enough since dropping the obsessive FB habit, several people from my past have reconnected. A high school friend was in town last week and we had plenty of catch up time. And two friends from California also randomly called this week to say 'hello.' I could not have been more grateful to have been on their minds and perhaps in their hearts. I figure people reach out when they want and that is what makes the gift of friendship so amazing.

To foster a greater sense of connection I have also begun writing letters on Friday nights. It sounds silly, but it calms me. The world is too frantic and too fast. Numbers, text messages and e-mails zip by with little to no emotion.

I have about three more weeks of crazy and intense days filled with multiple meetings, planning excursions and undergraduate retreats. In lieu of Facebook I'll be writing letters because I can and because I like keeping the US Postal Service in business.