Disconnect to Reconnect

I'm inviting you to join me in a detox — not an "I-ate-too-much-turkey" cleanse, but an "I-spend-way-too-much-time-on-my-phone" purge. Somewhere along the way, the devices meant to connect us became the great divide. We scroll, refresh, and respond — tricking our brains into thinking we're accomplishing something — all while chasing little hits of dopamine that leave us wanting more.

Maybe it's time to disconnect to reconnect? With anxiety and disconnection on the rise, it's a sign something's out of balance. Longevity experts say the number-one key to a long, healthy life isn't kale or cardio — it's social connection. The people who live longest — in those famous Blue Zones — all share one thing: strong ties with friends, family, and community. Having people in our lives gives us meaning. Working together toward a common goal makes the journey interesting — and if we open our hearts, even enjoyable.
Another by-product of less screen time? Creativity. When we take a stroll and literally stop to smell the roses, our minds have space to wander. That's often when ideas surface, solutions appear, and clarity finds us.

This Thanksgiving, I was truly thankful for something simple: real conversation. Adults, young and old, talking and laughing. No one glued to their phones. No endless selfies. Just connection. At your next get-together, try a little experiment. Make a list and check it twice. If you know a few people who spend more time on their screens than in conversation, have everyone put their phones away — maybe even in a basket for safekeeping. Sure, there might be some resistance at first. But by the end of the night, your guests might discover they have more in common than they thought — and who knows, new friendships might just be forged.

Sometimes the best way to recharge is to unplug. Let's bring back real connection — one conversation (and one less notification) at a time. I'd love to know — how do you plan to disconnect to reconnect this week?