Unplug From the Matrix

by | Jul 17, 2025 | Blog | 0 comments

 

Summer is a great time to unplug from your digital devices and simply be unavailable.

Most summers, my family and I are fortunate enough to vacation in Northern Michigan (yes, just like in that Kid Rock song). It’s truly one of the most beautiful places on earth—with clear blue waters, sandy beaches, clean air, and quaint little tourist villages. It’s the kind of place that’s easy to fall in love with.

One unexpected benefit I’ve come to deeply appreciate is that the cell phone reception in this part of the world isn’t all that great—and sometimes it’s non-existent. I remember the first time I lost signal up there years ago and how stressed I felt:
“Oh no! What if someone needs to reach me? What if I’m needed? What am I going to do?”

It took about a day for me to let go and accept it as part of the experience—and once I did, it felt REALLY GOOD. I was able to truly relax and enjoy time with my family, without a to-do list or an inbox constantly pulling at my attention. For a few days, I was able to move at a slower pace that’s become so rare in our modern world.

I had done it.
I had Unplugged from the Matrix.

Now I do it every year—and sometimes I don’t even have to go anywhere remote to make it happen.

Why We All Need to Disconnect

We all need time in our lives to be unavailable and disconnected. Or, as my son likes to say:

“Hang up and hang out.”

This is how we recharge and re-energize our internal battery so we can come back refreshed and ready to take on life’s challenges. Our minds and spirits aren’t built to run on full blast 24/7/365. Sleep may be for the body, but our brains need a break too.

Reflection Questions

So here’s my challenge to you:
Where can you go today to unplug for just 1 hour?

Try one of these:

  • A massage

  • A coffee shop

  • A quiet park bench

  • A room with no screens or television

  •  Going for a walk with a friend, loved one or pet.

We don’t need to escape to a remote location to disconnect. We just need to make the decision to do it.

How can you unplug from the Matrix today?
Where is the best place for you to do it?
If it feels impossible, what small steps can you take to make space in your business or personal life for time to recharge?

When you find that time—especially with those you care most about—I can almost guarantee it will become the time you cherish the most.

Cheers to Hanging Up and Hanging Out,

One Quarter Turn at a Time

Thought for the Week:

Sippin’ whiskey out the bottle, not thinking ‘bout tomorrow, singing Sweet Home Alabama all summer long. – Kid Rock

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