Can You Live Without Electricity?

Our power goes out at least once a week for 4–6 hours.

Eating dinner by candlelight

I live in a tiny town in Colombia. We lose our power at least 2–3 times a week.

Usually, on Sunday the power goes out for at least 4–6 hours. During the week maybe only for an hour or 2.

At first, I used to be so annoyed. I needed Wi-Fi and power. It was frustrating and annoying. When I asked why my boyfriend would just say “no se”. My response, how can you not know?

This is an outrage.

Well, after 2 months of living here I have gotten used to it. I even like not having internet, lights, and contact with the outside world.

Especially on Sundays. We try to chill out anyway, work in the garden, and have a more relaxing day.

A few things I have learned to always have on hand.

A book or an audible book, downloaded. I am a compulsive reader, as in I finish 4–5 books a month.

The other day I obsessively read an entire book in a day and a 1/2.

It was fantastic!

So if it is audible, I always have a power bank, so I can change my phone to listen to my book.

Also candles and a flashlight or a headlamp. You know, in case of any zombies that might try to enter.

I want to see them first.

That is really all we need. I listen or read; he plays his guitar. We just hang out.

He gets to listen to me laughing or telling stories in my awful Spanish.

Having a more loose connection to the outside world has been great for my mental health lately. I am not always on my phone or computer.

I have been completing way more projects than I ever imagined.

I even have a garden! That is growing. Living in a tropical climate helps with this, though!

My starter garden before transplanting.

So disconnecting a little whether it is on purpose or by fault of the town. I think everyone can benefit from taking a little time off.

A mental break from constantly being available to everyone. There is something magical that happens when the lights go out.

Or that is what I like to think.

Try it and let me know what you think. Maybe turn off your circuit breaker and let everyone freak out for 5-minutes.

At least then you get a good laugh too!

XOXO

S.