As fathers, we’re needed around the clock. Our kids need our attention. Our spouses need us to handle a myriad of tasks. And work? It’s always asking for one more thing. Throw in the constant barrage of social media, and it feels like there's never a moment when we’re not consuming or reacting to someone else's thoughts. It’s an insane cognitive load.
But when do you get time to relax? When do you get time to ruminate, to explore your own ideas?
Solitude Deprivation: A Recipe for Losing Yourself
Cal Newport calls it solitude deprivation—the lack of time spent not interacting with or interpreting another person’s thoughts. It’s a term that resonates deeply with the demands of fatherhood.
|
The stress and anxiety that consume your mental reserves throughout the day aren't just nuisances; they're signs that your brain is overloaded. The constant need to be "on" leaves no room for reflection, and that's dangerous.
Without time for solitude, you risk losing yourself in the noise of others’ demands. You become reactive, not proactive. And that's not how any of us want to show up for the people who need us the most.
