logo
Login Subscribe
Google Play App Store
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
    • Opinion
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Public Notices
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
      • Opinion
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Unplug before it gets ugly
commentary
June 8, 2023
Unplug before it gets ugly

Day in and day out it feels like we are plugged into every electrical device out there. From our computers to our smartphones to our Fitbits, we are constantly plugged into work, social media, and the chaos of the world around us. We scroll endlessly and mindlessly through our social media instead of working on the task at hand which can make us very unproductive at work and at home. However, the upside of unplugging before it gets ugly helps you become more present in what you need to be doing and it makes you focus on what is really important.

Have you ever tried to carry on a conversation with someone who isn’t looking at you but instead is glued to their phone? Whether they are “just checking their email or their texts from someone real quick” it can make you feel not appreciated or important.

Social media is so prevalent and packaged to make us think that if we miss a week of “connecting with our so-called friends” then we won’t know what’s going on in our world. When in fact, if you missed a week or two of social media you may _nd out what is really going on in your little world instead of worrying about what’s going on in everybody else’s world. You may even make time for yourself again, your kids, your family and your peace of mind.

Our state of wellbeing depends on what we feed it all the time. Are you feeding it with positive images and thoughts or are you in the comparison game with all your social friends? You see, all you see is that your friend got a new ride but you didn’t see all the long hours of work he took to get that sweet ride. Or you see the smiling faces of families on vacation but you didn’t see the screaming match as they loaded into the car to make it to the airport on time, almost missing their ight. No, we don’t usually post the struggles of daily living. We highlight only the good endings. But that’s not reality now is it?

However, just unplugging from all electronics for as long as you possibly can does help you unwind and even get the much needed rest you have been depriving yourself from by staying plugged in 24/7.

I suggest you go outside and listen to the birds sing. Grab a good book and catch up on some quiet reading. Take that much needed stroll around the block or hike up the hill. Stay in your pajamas all day, have a cup of tea or co e and look through old pictures or take a nap in the a_ernoon while the world keeps going. Do something to unplug before it gets ugly. Yes, I know most of us like socializing, but there is something about stripping it all down, turning it all o and _nding your center again.

I challenge you to just unplug for one day and see the di rence it can make in your life. Filter out that negativity and _nd your positivity once again. You’ll be glad you unplugged before it got ugly.

Memories of Veteran Burton Kidd
A: Main, News...
Memories of Veteran Burton Kidd
November 6, 2025
ELLEN VINSON AND STAFF WRITER LADONNA RHODES In May of this year, Iris Park flew to Italy to visit her son and while she was there she visited the gravesite of her cousin, Burton Kidd, who died during...
this is a test
Trunk or Treat had families lining the street
A: Main, News...
Trunk or Treat had families lining the street
November 6, 2025
Checotah’s Downtown Trunk or Treat definitely lined the streets of Broadway and Gentry for over three hours. The Checotah Chamber of Commerce event didn’t officially start until 5:30 p.m. but by 4:30 ...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
SNAP benefits cut in half
November 6, 2025
Congress remains closed amid the dispute between Democrats and Republicans in Washington D.C. over health care benefits. Due to the closure, SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Program, came close to clo...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Local Holiday Events
November 6, 2025
Checotah Methodist Mission Christmas Sale Nov. 4 - Nov. 7 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 419 W. Gentry Ave. Checotah Bealls Anniversary Giveaways A full weekend of giveaways Nov. 7-9 1st 50 Guests will receive $5-$5...
this is a test
Honoring Veterans Nov. 11
A: Main, News...
Honoring Veterans Nov. 11
November 6, 2025
Veterans Day is a federal holiday in the United States observed annually on November 11 for honoring military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. It has been observed for 71 years and McIntosh...
this is a test
A: Main, News...
Victim, suspect identified
November 6, 2025
The woman who was found dead near Council Hill on Oct. 28 has been identified as Traci Byrd, 53, of Hugo, according to the McIntosh County District Attorney’s office. The suspect has been identified a...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
A: Main, News...
Porum police officer dies in accident
November 6, 2025
i - R i c h a r d M. Phillips, a Porum police offk ficer, was killed .' Thursday, Oct. • | 30 when his motorcycle went out of control on a curve on SH71 and crashed into a ditch, according to the Okla...
this is a test
News
Ricochet headlines concert for School for the Blind
November 6, 2025
MUSKOGEE – The 90’s chart-topping band Ricochet, along with award-winning singer- songwriter Becky Hobbs will perform live in concert November 13 at the Muskogee Civic Center. The Oklahoma based artis...
this is a test
News
Special ceremony for fallen veterans
November 6, 2025
Don Nichols with the Military Order of the Purple Heart announced a special wreath laying ceremony that will honor the lives of veterans who lost their lives in Vietnam. The ceremony will take place a...
this is a test
News
Honey Springs reenactment this weekend
November 6, 2025
Honey Springs Battlefield will host its biennial Education Day and reenactment of the Battle of Honey Springs on November 7, 8 and 9. The three-day-long program kicks off on Friday, November 7, with a...
this is a test
News
Department of Interior celebrates National Native American Month
November 6, 2025
The Department of the Interior announces National Native American Heritage Month, an annual celebration held each November. This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of thes...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

MCINTOSH COUNTY DEMOCRAT
300-A S. Broadway
Checotah, OK
74426

(918) 473-2313

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Mcintosh Democrat

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy