Looking for the balance.....

[Linda]

I have recently completed my first round of the challenge and was forever changed by the whole experience, so I don't regret doing it at all. Most of my posts were very long and introspective and I learned much about myself in composing and posting them and paying attention to others' comments and responses.

I care deeply about this community, but am finding it somewhat addictive-I find I spend WAY too much of my time just checking in, reading other's posts, commenting on some, and just generally getting to know others who are here, their situations, their struggles, their reasons, etc. 

I seem to be having trouble enforcing restrictions on myself to get what I need to get done in my actual everyday life before I am drawn back into this world. I'm wondering if others have the same problem and if anyone has any suggestions for finding the balance to maintain both.

[Mary Johnson]

I had to laugh when I read your dilemma - not at you, but with you.  I've definitely been there!  Here's my post from March 2010, The danger of overgiving,  about what my 'addiction' was doing to me, how it affected my home life and what I did (or I'm striving to do...) to maintain balance.

GREAT idea for a discussion post, as I'm sure this has happened and will happen to others.  Thank you, Linda!  I look forward to reading others' experiences and suggestions, right along with you.

[SiakelA]

I know what you mean. I can fall into those habits as well. It usually happens to me when I'm feeling unsatisfied with something in my life. I'm actually hoping this challenge will bring me out of that shell to focus on the world around me! Maybe there's something here that's fulfilling a need you have. (Community, understanding, kindness?)

 

In a practical aspect, I find limiting my overall online time helps. Sometimes I have to step back for a few days entirely to make it stick. If you including a limit on not going online before a certain time at night, that might help.

[Linda]

Geez Deb, how did you get to this particular post this morning? Didn't get much response when I wrote it and so odd that you would comment on it now all these months later. STILL looking for the balance, not so much about what I wrote here (although I randomly "met" Linda from Bulgaria via the Main Room here the other morning!)

Still have your sweet photo of Kenny here right by my computer and look at her daily....is she back at school already?

Thinking of you with love, respect, and admiration.....

XOXO

[Deb~ Community Manager]

Great discussion, Linda!