People Time…
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Let’s talk about addiction…when I say the “A” word I bet you immediately go to drug addiction, alcohol addiction, sex addiction, gambling addiction, food addiction etc Don’t you? But you do know there is one addiction right in front of us that most turn a “blind eye” to on a daily basis right? So lets get into it…
Why are you running? And, who are you trying to hide from? Yeah, I’m talking to YOU.
There is no better proof of that endless running and attempt to hide when you see people retreat to a screen at every opportunity. “WTF, I’m not running from anything and I have nothing to hide” is EXACTLY what YOU just thought or said…am I right? Keep telling yourself that and your life will pass you by, as you live through those numbing screens.
Yes, numbing. Unconsciously running away and numbing yourself from something or someone and maybe, just maybe, that something or someone is…yourself. Your ego has probably just jumped in and said “You’re crazy woman! What on earth are you talking about!” Then answer this…why else would you value and give more time and attention to something that is “emotionless”, a cold piece of man made equipment over the warmth of God’s creation…a human soul? Why? Why would you know more about gadgets, games and the next AI coming out than the person next to you? Why?
The alcoholic hides behind the bottle, the gambler hides behind the slot machine and you…you hide behind a screen. So I’ll ask again, what are you hiding from? ask yourself that.
Most people (including me) have had a taste of the “device” addiction, drowned themselves in social media, online games, TV series, Youtube videos etc but, many realise it and go out of their way to learn how to put the “bottle” down but you…you take it to another level, not only can’t you put the “bottle” down, it’s started to effect your relationships to the point you value the “devices” more than you do people and…you most definitely don’t think you have a problem. That right there is the tell-tale sign of an addict. Correct? Thing is, your addiction is costing you way more than the gamblers money, you are loosing something more valuable than gold…you know what you’re throwing away??
People Time…you’re throwing away time with people that you will NEVER get back…From a TV to a phone to a computer, to an iPad to a smart watch back to a phone then back to the TV again and…the cycle goes on and on and on. All while those living and breathing next to you compete with your devices for your attention…those people will one day finally realise that there is no point in asking to be seen by you anymore. Those people will realise that their efforts to “update’ their body will never put a twinkle in your eyes like the latest iPhone update, they will realise that the controller will receive all the “affection” (touch) they crave, they will realise that your calendar/alarm reminders are only put to use to remind you of exciting “new things” that are being launched and never to remind them of special dates and …they will realise that their (little) achievements, efforts, creativity etc will never…EVER get shared and or spoken about like the big achievements of large corporations and people that have made a name for themselves on online platforms. They’ll realise that they cannot compete with the “next shiny thing” and when they realise it they may find peace…how that “peace” looks like will depend on each individual.
Real example below…
Everyone with their heads “in” a device. No eye contact, no looking outside & no conversations…
Having an addiction or loving people with addictions is not easy, whatever “end” you’re on, it will require a lot of patience and strength to move forward while believing that it WILL get better. If you’re someone with an addiction (whatever it is) seek help. You can start by calling Lifeline to have a chat on 13 11 14 or, go to your GP for guidance. If you’re someone who feels lost and unseen as you navigate loving someone with an addiction you can do the same, seek guidance from your GP or health practitioner.
Either way, know you are NOT alone, you ARE worth a life of health, connection, laughter, appreciation and love…YOU deserve it.
Remember, the people who’s pockets you fill by buying and being on all those devices will not be there at your last breath and…neither will your family and friends (because you won’t have many/any) if you continue to put devices ahead of ‘People Time’. It’s your choice.
With Kindness,
