I'm online doing frantic research for the best ear buds. I have headphones but with the buds I can keep one in at all times allowing me to stay tuned in to whatever YouTube video, podcast or audiobook I'm listening to as I navigate my daily tasks.

It rules out any potential of being left with a void to fall into.

What is it that scares me so much about this?

On reflection it seems insane that I want to multi-task between listening to something while interacting with my children for example. And this is just an example of a wider problem.

It feels like we are all "on it" twenty four seven. Another notification. Flick, flick, flick through TikTok or YouTube shorts. Refresh our X/Twitter Feed.

Amidst all this, we have no down time. No time to be bored.

And that is, without wanting to sound too dramatic - TERRIFYING.

Where is the space for use to be alone with our thoughts, process our lives, the challenges and triumphs, the loves and the losses, the fear and the hope.

And who are we tuned in to? What messages and agendas are moulding and setting our precious lives?

We owe it to discover who we are, to understand what is truly important to us, to celebrate the role that only we can play in this world, at this time.

This moment of revelation is interrupted by Daisy, my 4 year old dog, who has had enough of me pontificating about such things. It's time for her walk. I put the lead on her. Reaching for my headphones I catch myself, leave them down, and stride out of the house. I'm suddenly filled with energy.

I'm going on an adventure with my dog, excited to see what I can discover.