This past weekend I visited my family in Connecticut. I got to hold my baby niece . . . briefly. She was crying so I quickly gave her back to her momma. But lately I’ve been thinking, if I ever want to have a family of my own I am going to need to learn to disconnect. How can I ever have a baby if I am incessantly nursing my iPhone like it’s a newborn?
While I was away for four days, (two of which were Saturday & Sunday), I had 15 text messages from CFOIB clients inquiring about their memberships, billing charges, protein orders, class sign-ups, class cancellations and the like. FIFTEEN TEXT MESSAGES. I even had a few text messages that asked, “Did you get my email?” (Those are my particular favorites.)
Now, if you are reading this and sent me a text this weekend please don’t take it personal. This blog post has been a long time coming! I know that I am 100% at fault for the weekend & late night interruptions. I have been on demand to all of my clients 24-7 since I opened the gym in 2009. It’s been the trend, the norm, the way I operate. Heck, even my voicemail says “you can text me at this number . . .”
But no more!
This blog post is my cry for help.
Please help me to disconnect after business hours so that I may one day have a family of my own . . . So I can be a slave to my crying baby instead of my ringing cell phone.
From here on out I ask that all general inquires be addressed by email to karen@cfoib.com or phone call/voice mail 910.443.9190. I will respond within one business day or sooner.
Additionally, as we have requested since 2011, all membership or billing inquires must be emailed to billing@crossfitoib.com.
I will hold up my end of the deal and not text you either! I will disconnect completely from work on Saturdays & Sundays and after 7pm on weeknights. And I promise I will (one day) make you that SuperBaby ya’ll have been hassling Kevin & I about for the past 5 years! I will also be a much happier person which is good for everyone in the long run, (just ask KJ).
In closing, I know that I am not alone in the iPhone struggle. There are a number of nutrition coaching clients I work with that are ruled by their cell phones, emails and/or clients. Technology is a wonderful thing, but being on demand to your iPhone can cause a lot more harm than you are probably aware. The majority of us really need to change how we manage our cellphone use. I challenge you to reevaluate the time you spend on your phones, email or social media versus the uninterrupted time you spend with your significant other and children. You will be amazed at the positive impact that managing your cellphone the right way will have on everything you do!
Karen CandiaOwner & Head CoachCrossFit Ocean Isle Beach
910.443.9190PS: Here’s the adorable baby who inspired this post . . .
