Friday Forward - July Four (#439)

Reflections on the importance of spending time with loved ones and unplugging from work and technology

This week is one of the most popular vacation weeks in America, and many people, myself included, are taking the opportunity to step away from their desks and truly unplug from work.

Given that, I wanted to share some of my favorite Friday Forwards celebrating what I’ve been doing this week: putting down the technology and spending time connecting with friends and family while spending time outdoors. I hope you’ve had the opportunity to do the same for at least part of this week.

Environmental Matters (#389): Two weeks spent hiking, biking and doing other outdoor activities in Park City prompted me to reflect on how environment, not willpower, is far more important to changing our lifestyle for the better.

Positive Nostalgia (#380): After my 25th college reunion, I reflected on the underappreciated value of eschewing digital communications and instead prioritizing deep, in-person interactions with friends and family.

18th Summer (#338): Two years ago, I took my first break from publishing Friday Forward since I started the newsletter six years before. This post explains why I took the break and includes reflections on the importance of unplugging and being present with loved ones.

Think Freely (#339): And this was the first post after my break, which discussed the value of setting aside uninterrupted time for undistracted thinking and reflection. This type of unfettered thinking time is often when we have our most valuable insights and ideas, and it’s valuable to set aside a few hours a week for that period of reflection.

Have a great weekend!

Quote of The Week

"The ability to be in the present moment is a major component of mental wellness.” - Abraham Maslow