I was looking on Facebook recently and an article was posted that was a test for technology addiction.  It was offering a large sum of money to those who could live apart from technology for an extended period of time.  It had a picture of a log cabin in the woods.

There are those who consider that the need to feed this addiction outweighs their want for material possessions.  In other words it is a battle of Will power.  The mind is willing and yet the flesh is weak.

For those who are dependent on technology for connection with friends, family and the world it may be a difficult thought.  If you rely upon the phone, iPad or other device to validate you as an individual, this test may actually be difficult, or even seem impossible.

Those that have no addiction to technologies, such as Wifi, Internet, computers and mobile phones would consider a time to be away from these a welcome break.  Some even said that they would remain in the Log cabin indefinitely so long as food and other essentials kept coming.

There is a new branch of psychology that deals directly with gaming and social media addiction.  Screen addiction is rapidly becoming of concern as humanity becomes immersed in the Age of technology.  Internet addiction disorder is apparently a very real phenomenon.

There is a word that is seldom used and even less understood.  That word is sacrifice.  The definition that I like most for the word sacrifice, is giving up something good for something better.

Each day we have a choice to be selfish or to sacrifice.  To give up something that we desire in the short term for the benefit of something or someone else.

When we sacrifice we gain rewards.  These rewards may be monetary. (In this situation it was $100 000 for 1 month of sacrificing technology).  The rewards may also be emotional (Sacrificing technology can give you the opportunity to discover more about yourself.  You may also value others more. Absence makes the heart grow fonder).  The rewards may be physical. (Perhaps hunting, chopping firewood would develop you in this way.  Learning skills of survival in preparation for the eventual Zombie Apocalypse that will inflict mankind.  Its not a matter of if, but a matter of when).  Perhaps you would grow spiritually as you gain perspective for your life.  Often writers disappear to a peaceful place in order to think and make a tremendous impact in the lives of others through their books.  Deep meditation and reflection will enable you to plan who you want to be and the impact that you want to have on this world.  Then there are the financial rewards.  Who could not do with an extra $100 000.

I consider this hypothetical challenge to be a win to most people.

I believe in the law of sacrifice.  Delayed gratification.  Giving up something now (immediate reward), for something better (increased reward later on).

With the perspective of hindsight that usually only comes with age and maturity, we would all make sacrifices each and every day as we build our character and our lives.