Gemma We (my family) have been in Cornwall for half term and during that time I removed all social apps from my phone to help me make the most of our time together. It also helped me to encourage slowing down, increasing joy and rest. It’s not the first time I have taken a break from screens and it wont be the last. I love the feeling of connection I get when I intentionally disconnect from technology.
Joy and connection
Disconnecting from screens helped me to enjoy simple pleasures like reading, crochet, walking, swimming in the sea, people/cloud/ocean watching, playing cards and games with our children.
We didn’t completely eradicate screens, we still watched films and TV. We took pictures and made a film together with the children who wrote and directed it. So it wasn’t a technology free week but it was a week of freedom from technology. Removing these apps and turning off notifications made me pay closer attention to the moments in front of me that filled my cup and energised me.
Reflecting on Family Feed
During the week I had some moments of reflection on Family Feed. I thought back to its conception in 2020 – with a new baby in my arms and a toddler by my side – I created Family Feed, with the help of my husband Jim, to be a creative project of sanctuary in motherhood.
I want Family Feed to remain a creative, joyful project. For it to be disconnected from work and responsibility and a space to play and experiment. I don’t have a social media strategy or a plan and I’m not looking for one either. Family Feed is a project I will pick up and put down when my energy requires.
So what is Family Feed
I thought about that last week too. What am I hoping to create here? Why do I continue to make content? Who is it for and what do I hope they will get from it?
In all honestly I hope that Family Feed evolves and moves and never feels permanent and boxed in. But in its essence I hope to encourage connection for you and your family.
I believe that the dinner table builds family and community. Sharing food with our community is an ancient practice of love, sanctuary and survival. As parents we have the opportunity to pass our practices, traditions and culture on to our children. Food feeds the soul.
I believe that time together round the table, eating a meal is a profound way to love and be loved.
I believe that there is joy in doing more of the things that fill your cup, being creative, taking your own path, trying something new, being open to play and experimentation, taking time out to rest, dream, plan and create.
These are the hopes I have for my family. To live with integrity and alignment between who we are on the inside and who we show up as on the outside.
Family Feed encourages connection for you and your family
Gemma Walsh Woodcock
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Thanks for coming on the journey with me,
Gem
