Yesterday, at about 7:30 a.m., my internet died. I was in Sonic because I have grown to depend on it so much. After 3 hours of working and calling in panic mode, I realized I was locked away from the world in my backyard until Monday evening.

What I learned from this experience is I’m addicted to having access to the world from my couch. It caused me a lot of discomfort, and I didn’t like it. Now, this isn’t the first time I’ve experienced this. I’ve gone through it maybe five times since the invention of fiber optic cables and lightning-fast gigabits of information.

All the post I’d connected to in the blogger’s sphere was no longer at my fingertips. I used up all my hotspots in less than 10 hours. I’m ashamed to say how much I need to be connected. What most of us aren’t aware of is the fact that everything we are connected to is based on energy exchange.

This energy exchange is not just about the electricity that powers our devices but also the mental and emotional energy we invest in our online interactions. We are constantly sending and receiving information, engaging in conversations, sharing our thoughts and feelings, and absorbing the thoughts and feelings of others. This constant exchange of energy can be both exhilarating and exhausting.

In my case, I found myself feeling lost and disconnected without my usual online interactions. I felt like a part was missing like I was cut off from a vital energy source. I was surprised by the intensity of my feelings, which made me realize how much I rely on this energy exchange.

But this experience also made me realize something else. While the internet provides us with an incredible platform for communication and connection, it is not the only source of energy exchange. Some of the most powerful and meaningful energy exchanges happen offline, in our face-to-face interactions with the people around us.

During my internet-less hours, I spent more time with my family, engaging in deeper conversations and even enjoying the simple pleasures of reading a book or taking a walk in the park. I realized that while the internet is a powerful tool, it should not replace the real, tangible connections we have with the people and the world around us.

So, while I am still very much addicted to my internet connection, I am now more aware of the importance of balancing my online and offline interactions. I am more conscious of the energy I invest in my online activities, and I am trying to invest more energy in my offline relationships and experiences. After all, life is not just about being connected to the world through a screen but also about being connected to the world around us in a real and tangible way.

Today I’m at my daughter’s house sucking the life from her intent, and it made me realize I’m prepared for the world to go dark. While I enjoy the internet and all my vital electronics, am I prepared for the world to have a massive blackout? No, and I think many of you reading this aren’t prepared either.

What survival processes have we implemented to help us overcome our inability to communicate with the world? It’s not like my network of social and business connections is that big. I don’t have thousands of followers, and Sedona has never reached a million. Between all my social media platforms, I’ve got Less than ten thousand people who have liked, commented, or shared my contributions to the social world.

But does that mean I am less dependent on the internet? No, it doesn’t. The number of followers or likes doesn’t determine the level of dependency. It’s the reliance on the internet for communication, information, and entertainment that makes us dependent.

This dependency is not necessarily a bad thing. The internet has made our lives easier in many ways. But it’s also important to be prepared for a situation where we might not have access to it.

So, what can we do to prepare ourselves for a potential blackout?

Firstly, we need to have a plan. This plan could involve having a list of emergency contact numbers written down somewhere, having a physical map in case GPS is unavailable, and keeping a stock of essential items like food, water, and medicines.

Secondly, we need to learn some basic survival skills. These skills could include learning how to start a fire, how to purify water, and how to find food in the wild.

Thirdly, we need to build strong offline relationships. In a world without internet, our local community will become our primary source of support. So, it’s important to build strong relationships with our neighbors and local community members.

Lastly, we need to learn to enjoy life without the internet. Enjoying life could involve picking up a new hobby, spending more time outdoors, or simply learning to enjoy the silence.

The internet has become a vital part of our lives. It’s important to be prepared for a situation where we might not have access to it. And this preparation starts with acknowledging our dependency and taking steps to reduce it.