Connecting to Nature as a Family

Lately I've found myself trying to run the world from in front of a screen. It's something we often talk about, but from a parents point of view and not wanting our kids to be attached to screens. What happens when all they see is us creating our own reality from a screen? This is happening to me! My previous job was in a sorting shed on an apple orchard, which I loved, I listened to podcasts, but had plenty of time to just think. Then I began to study, connect with other likeminded people, watch documentaries, research, start a new job as a receptionist, podcast, coordinate a tour for an international for-purpose organisation and many other little projects, I didn't see it happening, the lines had become blurred between work (anything involving my computer or phone) and family time. But, it happened! I was attached to a device more and more, it was affecting the quality of my family time. It really hit home when went for an afternoon adventure in a valley that has no reception (apparently that was the whole idea), I actually had a moment of panic, OMG.......no reception, I'm cut off from the world! That and a few words from my hubby, forced me to be honest with myself, I've become so well connected online, but so disconnected from just being. Being still and being with my own thoughts. I was so caught up in absorbing information all the time that my mind lacked quiet time and time to process all the information I was taking in. I needed to realise, the world will not fall apart if I don't reply to a message or email straight away. I wont be deprived if I miss a piece of information on my feed. Sometimes I need reminding that I'm a mum and wife first. There is time for it all, but it's not when my family want to hang out with me. This is why I began this journey, to find out what I'm made of, to be the best person I can be and set a good example to my kids. Balance is something I don't have, and probably never will. For me it's more about tilting towards what's more important at the time. Some days it's studying, or volunteering, other days it's home duties (we all know there's no cleaning fairy), or just being Mum (most important of all). I don't want to be a super mum, I want my kids to grow up and say, "my mum did some awesome stuff, she was busy and worked hard, but she was always there for us".