8 June 2014

Probably the biggest adjustment I’ve had to make since moving to Ireland is the idea of being digitally connected nearly 24/7. During the workweek with my connections now to Europe as well as my team back in the US, it is typical that I am fielding emails and calls from 8am to midnight at least a few nights a week. I knew full well of this challenge when signing up for the opportunity, and I wouldn’t change it for the world, however by most Friday nights I am mentally exhausted.

For this reason I welcomed the rain of this past weekend with open arms. Nothing on the schedule, just relaxing and refueling for what will be an exciting next few months ahead. Today with the rain continuing (god bless the Irish summer) I unplugged and walked down to Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop on Middle Street. No Wi-Fi, no cell service, just a great old school independent bookstore where you could get lost for hours. I spent an hour reading an actual physical copy of Irish short stories, something I hadn’t done in far too long. Stories of a retiree setting off on his new picture taking hobby in the Irish midlands, and teenagers trying to craft the perfect pop song. More importantly, not one word about slingin’ software, tech support, or quarter end deals. I left feeling more refreshed than expected. And when I returned home a few hours later, my inbox was unchanged and my Facebook feed remained dominated by a stream of newborns and wedding photos (I love you all I swear!).

So my quick lesson for the week is to not be afraid of disconnecting from the digital world. Even if only for a few hours, it will do wonders I promise. And the rest of your life will be patiently waiting for your return.

For a shot of Irish culture this week I loved this write up from Travel + Leisure on Galway and the west coast –

http://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-blog/carry-on/2014/5/20/galway-ireland-untamed

Until next time.

MLK