Why I'm Living Without Internet at Home

I made the choice to get rid of Wifi in my home and mobile data on my phone.

It was a long time coming. I've struggled for a decade with having the invasive world connection in my home that we call the internet.

For years, I've wanted to live in a world that was less distracted, where I wasn't bombarded with information, notifications and ads.

Let's face it: internet has more stressful (and nonsensical) headlines than a newspaper, it's far noisier than the radio, and its addictiveness surpasses anything television ever produced!

I was constantly battling with internet overuse in my home. I'd put up restrictions, but my resolve would slowly crumble, and the internet would win.

It was a curious contrast. More than anything I wanted to live an intentional life.

I knew better times. Internet free times. I craved that simplicity.

Growing Up without Screens

I was born in the late 80's, and my parents decided to keep television out of our home. Living in a farmhouse that was situated on an 160 acre farm surrounded by timberland, our country lives were simple. We worked hard and played hard. Everyone contributed.

In spite of the fact that distractions were few, boredom didn't exist. We fully lived in the moments around us, with the people around us.

We did things for the pleasure of doing it, not because it would look good on Facebook or Instagram (or whatever social media platform folks are on now).

I share about those years in my article: The Good Old Internet Free Days

I loved that simple life, because we were fully present in each moment, however simple, thrilling, difficult, fun or mundane it was.

Those days were vibrantly simple, and strongly contrast with the brain numbing, internet-filled life I was living.

I Established Unhealthy Patterns

I knew I wasn't living well, with internet-happenings simmering on the back burner of my brain at all times.

Perhaps my struggle was more intense because I do have an online business. Chronic Lyme disease brings extra expenses to our family, and financial pressure is real to us. The online world gives me options to make extra money. It's easy to obsess over it.

And then there's the fatigue I wrestle with, along with seasons of physical pain. It can go on for months, and it's easy to lose yourself to the screen in those seasons...and carry on with bad patterns after it's all over.

I'd find myself checking email 6x a day.

Sometimes I'd let food burn on the stove, because I was too engrossed with something on my phone.

When I was tired in the evenings, I would skip supper with my family, grab my laptop and disappear to the bedroom for some "quiet" time...with a screen.

Instead of doing things that were good for my body, mind and soul (not to mention, my family), I'd revert to the internet. My brain was whirling. It was overstuffed and screen time actually added to my fatigue.

I vaguely knew all this, but I still couldn't make the decision to get rid of internet in our home!

Finally, it was my little daughter that pushed me over the edge.

The "Mom" Word Caught Me

I was working in the kitchen that morning (like I always do), and was listening to a podcast (as I always did).

My choices were wholesome. Podcast topics covered everything from parenting to homemaking, money management to blogging and even homesteading. Trouble was, I hadn't yet realized I was consuming content for entertainment purposes, instead of learning and life change.

And then it happened.

The stove fan was whirling, the podcast was playing, and I was rushing around the kitchen preparing food.

My baby girl was coloring at the kitchen table, and her sweet, lisping voice barely cut through the noise.

"Mom? Mom? Mom!"

I ignored her.

Actually, that's an understatement. I hardly noticed.

"Mom? Mom? Mom!"

I didn't respond.

You see, I was busy and wanted to hear the complete thought being presented on the podcast.

And a few seconds later, it struck me.

She quit asking.

It hit me hard. All day, I couldn't stop thinking about it.

I was physically present, yes. But I wasn't actually there.

That single event caused me to examine my internet use over the days that followed. The results were humbling. Very humbling.

The Solution to Internet Overuse

The more I observed myself over the following weeks, the more disgusted I became with myself and the internet.

My overall body language and attitude toward my home and family was...don't bother me, I'm tired and just want to be with my screen.

I had to put a stop to it.

Problem was, we did need some online access.

We lived a year without internet while building our little cottage, and drove into our local library 1x a week. It worked well.

But now that I have a child in tow, I knew I wouldn't be able focus on work at the library. Plus, my man is required to have internet access on his phone for a work app (he takes before/after pictures of toilets and sinks and pipes and other things he works on).

So here's what we decided.

We don't have Wifi at home anymore, and I don't have mobile data on my phone.

During the day, I'm completely cut off from internet.

But my man has a hotspot with minimal data on his phone.

When we need internet access at home, we can connect my computer to his hotspot and get enough internet for email, online banking, scheduling appointments and such.

It's working beautifully.

This is Where I Want to Be

We aren't truly 100% internet free in our home. But internet can't be reached unless my man is home. Even then, use has been severely limited. I can't let exhaustion, pain, moods or stress drive me to it.

Because most of the time, internet isn't there.

It's been so incredibly good.

Over the years, I've been haunted with this particular thought: when I'm 80, will I wish I'd spent less time on the internet, and more time living fully in the moments that surround me?

You can read about my thought process below.

Why I Struggle With Having Internet in my Home

The Good Old, Internet-Free Days

There's something special that settles into your home and soul when the internet is removed.

I've experienced such stillness of mind. It's easier to focus. I move more (which is great for inflammation). I sleep better. I find myself reading more quality books. And I engage differently with baby girl, my man and the people around me.

I feel more. I enjoy life more. I see people more. My memories are returning and every week I'm building new, simple memories that feel right.

Life isn't flashy. It's slow, thought-filled and intentional. Boredom results in creativity. Tiredness results in sleep. Undistracted time results in conversations, activities and connection.

This is where I want to be.

Right here.