I am currently sitting outside with the breeze blowing my hair in my face, writing with a pen on paper.

As my son digs for ladybugs and throws his plastic golf club in the budding lilac, I feel peace.  I chat with him as I write;  this pad posing nowhere near the barrier my laptop does.

There is a simplicity in this arrangement – a simplicity that I crave while being pulled to live online.

My paper is now stained with bubbles that have met their demise to the sounds of my son screeching in delight.  Simple things -  pen to paper, delight, bubbles, ladybugs…

It is in these moments that I strike a balance – when my online complements my offline without interfering with it.

Back to basics. Pen in hand.

I love living online; I’ve been doing it for 15 years – interacting with people, building relationships, and meeting wonderful people who have enriched my life.  People who have become dear friends.  But, living online has to fit into my life – the life that doesn’t need a computer to exist, or a wireless connection to thrive.

As I watch my son leave a plate of dirty cucumber slices out for the squirrels, I realize how much I take for granted in this world I know – a simplicity and an appreciation for what is right before my eyes and in reach of not only my fingertips, but my arms.

Dear Q,

I believe that as your mother, it is my job to prepare you for this world, and this world is crazy! In order to thrive in it while maintaining some semblance of sanity, everything has to be in balance: mind, body, spirit, emotions. As soon as anything is off, you will lose perspective of your being.

Physical health without mental, emotional, or spiritual health is pointless. Remember, your body is a reflection of your being, but it is not who your are; it is only temporary. Learn as much as you can. Seek answers. Cry when you need to cry. Laugh a lot. Do as much as you want to, but always be.

It is also important to balance your personal life with your professional life. This world will tempt you to emphasize your professional life, make more money, and consume more. Resist temptation. At the end of your life, you will never, ever wish you had worked more hours. Don’t neglect your personal life, for that is what will fill your heart and let you be.

Love always,

Mom