ZOOM OUT 🪂 // Zooming out to see the bigger picture
Published 2 months ago • 4 min read
Having some time off from my "day job" has me realizing how much I've been zoomed in versus zoomed out. Walking my dog has been more enjoyable because I'm not worried about getting back to a call. Getting out of my office has been a blessing for things I've been missing in my community. Spending more time with my daughters has been amazing. So simple, yet so profound. The "zoom in" happens to all of us. We're human and our lives are built around routines. Yet, what if we all took a step back to zoom out and see the bigger picture?
I found this song, Zoom Out, by Malia years ago and LOVE IT! It's veracious. The lyrics are on point and speak to looking at the big picture and getting out of our own way. Isn’t that a novel idea?
...I've been thinkin' too much lately I'm about to drive me crazy It's time to rescue myself I find in my head I’m Wonder Woman I know that inside I'm Superhuman Got my own superpowers Way overdue to smell the flowers And I'm zooming out; I see the bigger picture now...
— Malia
This song is life. It’s who we are. It’s how we think. Like she says: “I’m ‘bout to drive me crazy…It’s time to rescue myself.” So, the question is: Why do we get in our own way? Why do we continue to self-doubt and hold back when often we’re also the biggest cheerleaders of those around us? We get excited for others success; we cheer when she gets a promotion or finds her strength in health and wellness. We gladly coach up our family, friends and colleagues. And you know what? That’s awesome! That’s true connection. 😁
But what about you?
What about the person who has all it takes to do the very thing she loves?
Well, it’s complicated…or is it? If I’m being perfectly honest, I can tell you that it truly is simple. Listen to those lyrics again. “Way overdue to smell the flowers…I’m zoomin’ out to see the bigger picture now…”
See, we get too caught up. Caught up in ourselves, our social media, comparison, FOMO, FOPO, news, politics, etc. It’s bullshit. You hear that? BULL. SHIT. Here’s why; that phone in your pocket or hand—while great for so many things, it can also be paralyzing. Your head and neck get put into a ridiculous position that’s causing stress to your cervical spine. You scroll and scroll and tap and tap; maybe even comment here or there. Heck, you might even laugh a little or get those warm fuzzy feelings (like I do when I look at any Labrador on Insta!). Yet, the time you waste, or rather, the time you miss with zooming out and seeing the bigger picture is lost.
I’m not sitting here trying to preach to you. You’re a grown-ass adult and you get to make your own decisions. What I AM saying is that when you pass more time in front of a screen than doing life, you’re missing out on the bigger picture.
If you’re like 70%+ of Americans, you have your phone by your bedside. The first thing you do when you wake up is look at it and it’s not just to see what time it is. Most likely you don’t have the “Do Not Disturb” setting on, nor do you have your notifications turned off. So, perhaps you see a list of all the things you "missed."
HOLD UP! Let’s stop right there. Just stop. 🛑 “Missed” is the feeling you’re experiencing yet it’s not real. If someone comments or likes one of your posts, you have missed nothing. It’s there forever and I’m confident that you understand that. If a news story breaks and you miss it while you’re sleeping, the likelihood is that it’s not directly affecting you in any way. If you missed a call, that’s great because it didn’t disturb your sleep. If it’s an emergency the phone is smart enough to alert you if the same number rings twice in a row. Are you getting this picture?
When you continue the addiction and habit of looking at your phone all day long, you truly miss the bigger picture. You miss the little things that most of us find gratitude in—the sun, water, mountains. The laugh or waddle of a child, the tail wag of a dog, the smiles on people’s faces. The smiles; so sweet and truly impactful. These are the moments in time we all miss when we’re buried in a tiny little device. The connection we all need, and desire is lost. That connection is engaging with people even if it’s a simple smile and head nod when you’re walking down the street.
Some tips I’ve learned along the way and changes I’ve made to help me zoom out:
My phone is set to silent – always.
All notifications, except for family texts, have been turned off on my phone. This allows me to be in control of when I want to look at anything, versus being tempted by a notification.
My Do Not Disturb setting is set between 9pm – 7am. My phone goes black and the only thing I see is the time if I pick it up.
All screens are off at least an hour before hitting the pillow. This helps your brain relax and get ready for slumber. The blue light from your device affects the brain by suppressing melatonin (a hormone that affects your circadian rhythm for sleep) so it tricks the brain into thinking it’s daylight. In other words, it stimulates the brain. Not helpful when you’re trying to prepare for sleep!
Household rule: Absolutely NO looking at your phone while walking. EVER. If you must, move to a spot where you are out of the way and stop. This is no different than what you would do in a car. Not only is this a safety issue (have you ever witnessed people walking through crosswalks being completely oblivious to cars and traffic?), but it’s also another way to zoom out and see what’s right in front of you. Do have any idea of the power of a smile as you walk down the street? Try it – it’s contagious and you’ll feel great!
Zoom out. See the bigger picture. Reflect. Be grateful. Smell the flowers. Otherwise, you might be “…’bout to drive you crazy!”
