I am leaving for California tomorrow, driving there and flying back. After some debate I finally decided not to bring my laptop. Why was this such a big decision? Well for one, I generally never travel without my laptop. My laptop bag has become my second purse. In many ways my laptop has become my security blanket. If I ever need to work, find a document, jump onto facebook, blog, or check my e-mail it is at my finger tips. Granted I do have a Blackberry so if I do go through a laptop withdrawal I can always use my Blackberry. For whatever reason I have become extremely attached to my laptop.
I finally decided, that since I was having a hard time leaving my laptop behind is exactly why I should leave it behind. Anything that you can’t pull away from, generally means you should create some distance for yourself. I have to admit that I consciously try not to work all the time, and believe me I have come a long way from my 12 hour days 6 days a week. But as an American it is hard to not feel guilty if you don’t work all the time. This is definitely something that I have been working on and it is a daily battle.
So I leave tomorrow, sans laptop, but I will have my blackberry. To California to see Marianne Williamson at her weekend workshop, Sister Giant. I am super excited and also look forward to turning off my brain to technology while I am gone. Hopefully it will bring greater clarity, creativity and insights. Look forward to writing about my experience when I return.
Sharon