This weekend I was inspired to continue with the idea of less by three things: this article, this website, and a conversation with my boss, who doesn’t own a smartphone and yet somehow manages to still, well, manage.

After spending the weekend boxing up even more things I don’t need, last night I finally deactivated my Twitter account (I haven’t been on Facebook for years). This morning, I ordered hard copies of Merriam-Webster’s dictionary and thesaurus: the two most important tools of my trade (after CMS).

The goal is simple: to stay offline as much as humanly possible.

During work, that goal will be amended to keeping all windows closed except for MS Word so that I can truly focus on what I’m doing.

Honestly? I’m tired of feeling so scattered and unable to live in the moment. I mean, when did “having a life” become equated with “being online?”

My thoughts are now on whether or not I can get rid of my iPhone. I have some concerns:

1. being available for emergencies when my son is out of the house
2. being able to readily answer texts from my son when he is away
3. taking photos
4. listening to music when I hike, walk, or run

I think, though, of how much freedom it would offer to detach from that little plastic, glass, and steel device. How much time would it free up? How much money? How many books could I read? Stories could I write? How much faster would I be able to finish projects? And how much more could I go outside?

Remember what quiet sounds like. Breathe easier . . .

So yes, I’m still available. I’m just not available 24/7. But when I’m here, I’m here.