Danielle, thank you for this beautiful reminder to focus on the things that matter most in this life. You always set such a beautiful example, but I also love that you acknowledge how challenging it can be to change our long held habits. One thing I’m working on this year is not reflexively turning on audio books or music when I am alone but instead cultivating a love for silence. I’ve enjoyed the fruit of this so far in the days and weeks since I made it a priority. Life is so full and busy… limiting or eliminating sources of “noise”—including digital noise—feels like a gift.
Thank you for these wise thoughts, Lisa! I think examining our habits is such an important practice, and I love that you are finding room for more silence this year. :)
This topic has been on my heart a lot lately with Generation Alpha. I am a children’s and family pastor and have been writing on this younger generation contemplating how we disciple them in this new world dominated by technology.
I wrote an article this week on screen time and have one coming on AI next week. I’d be grateful if you checked them out.
Great post! It definitely resonates with me. My word for this year is "presence". I, too, have been easily distracted by social media and my phone and really want to focus on making space to disconnect and hear my own thoughts. Turning off the TV more often has also been helpful. I end the day more peacefully.
On another note, please come back to Memphis for another retreat. I wasn't able to attend last weekend. Hopefully, next time!
Oh Julie I'm so sorry I missed you in Memphis! I would love to come back any time... I love thw word "presence" for you. I have noticed that too-- less TV = more peace. God bless you!
It’s amazing what happens when we just allow ourselves to be alone in our own thoughts and not hijacked but anyone or anything. What is in my heart today? What do I feel right now? How do I want to spend this moment?
Filling space and time with digital content is so exhausting and I thank God that my job is primarily an off-line profession!
Thank you again for everything you do, Girlfriends is definitely one thing I cannot do without!
You are so right, Louisa. Those tiny habits and routines really matter! So many of us live our loves with so little space for for being alone with ourselves and God. I'm so grateful you are part of Girlfriends!
Great idea! I have been feeling very done with a lot of the internet lately. I plan to check email and be online for the necessary things but try to avoid some of the sites that do not make me feel good.
I agree with minimizing so much of the addictive quality of many of these apps, emails, whatever on the phone, etc! I literally used to keep my TV on a lot just for background noise. I literally unplugged it in June 2025 and honestly don't miss anything! I intentionally now look up what I want to know or see! This is the same for many other websites and their too numerous emails, etc! I was getting more eye straining and other medical symptoms bothering from too much digital stuff! A lot of these apps etc are literally causing anxiety and addiction issues, especially in children! Nothing wrong with reading a good old paperback book, instead of scrolling on Temu or whatever! 😉
Thank you for sharing Danielle. Sometimes I notice myself feeling overwhelmed while driving and have found the simple act of turning off the radio can quickly calm my mind. We need silence but sometimes we forget to tap into it.
Danielle, thank you for this beautiful reminder to focus on the things that matter most in this life. You always set such a beautiful example, but I also love that you acknowledge how challenging it can be to change our long held habits. One thing I’m working on this year is not reflexively turning on audio books or music when I am alone but instead cultivating a love for silence. I’ve enjoyed the fruit of this so far in the days and weeks since I made it a priority. Life is so full and busy… limiting or eliminating sources of “noise”—including digital noise—feels like a gift.
Thank you for these wise thoughts, Lisa! I think examining our habits is such an important practice, and I love that you are finding room for more silence this year. :)
This topic has been on my heart a lot lately with Generation Alpha. I am a children’s and family pastor and have been writing on this younger generation contemplating how we disciple them in this new world dominated by technology.
I wrote an article this week on screen time and have one coming on AI next week. I’d be grateful if you checked them out.
I will! Thank you, Matt!
Truly appreciate that! Feel free to subscribe if you feel so led. The first part of the AI article will drop Tuesday morning.
Great post! It definitely resonates with me. My word for this year is "presence". I, too, have been easily distracted by social media and my phone and really want to focus on making space to disconnect and hear my own thoughts. Turning off the TV more often has also been helpful. I end the day more peacefully.
On another note, please come back to Memphis for another retreat. I wasn't able to attend last weekend. Hopefully, next time!
Oh Julie I'm so sorry I missed you in Memphis! I would love to come back any time... I love thw word "presence" for you. I have noticed that too-- less TV = more peace. God bless you!
Thank you for this ♥️
Thank you for reading Jo!
GIRLFRIEND...THIS IS A MIC DROP. EVERY WORD. SO SO SO SO GOOD.
Oh thank you Laura! I know you get it…
Dear Danielle,
Thank you for this great post!
It’s amazing what happens when we just allow ourselves to be alone in our own thoughts and not hijacked but anyone or anything. What is in my heart today? What do I feel right now? How do I want to spend this moment?
Filling space and time with digital content is so exhausting and I thank God that my job is primarily an off-line profession!
Thank you again for everything you do, Girlfriends is definitely one thing I cannot do without!
God Bless you ❤️
You are so right, Louisa. Those tiny habits and routines really matter! So many of us live our loves with so little space for for being alone with ourselves and God. I'm so grateful you are part of Girlfriends!
Great idea! I have been feeling very done with a lot of the internet lately. I plan to check email and be online for the necessary things but try to avoid some of the sites that do not make me feel good.
Good for you, Gina! That sounds like a very smart plan. :)
I agree with minimizing so much of the addictive quality of many of these apps, emails, whatever on the phone, etc! I literally used to keep my TV on a lot just for background noise. I literally unplugged it in June 2025 and honestly don't miss anything! I intentionally now look up what I want to know or see! This is the same for many other websites and their too numerous emails, etc! I was getting more eye straining and other medical symptoms bothering from too much digital stuff! A lot of these apps etc are literally causing anxiety and addiction issues, especially in children! Nothing wrong with reading a good old paperback book, instead of scrolling on Temu or whatever! 😉
Thank you for sharing Danielle. Sometimes I notice myself feeling overwhelmed while driving and have found the simple act of turning off the radio can quickly calm my mind. We need silence but sometimes we forget to tap into it.