Why we could all do with digital lay-bys

Blogging, social media and life in the ‘digital space’ (forgive the pretentious phraseology there) can sometimes feel a little like towing a caravan. Everything is stored in the box-with-wheels precariously swinging around behind the car its attached to. A mixture of pride and excitement consumes the driver of the vehicle, not least because caravans mean holidays, an valid excuse for a spot of self indulgence.

Just like caravans and the thought that everything you’ll ever need for a holiday on the move is contained in the box you have on your back, so digital publishing can fill me with the same pride and excitement. So long as I have access to the internet and a device with a keyboard, I can still satisfy my creative urges in the event the balloon went up, collapsed or burst.

But, caravans are dangerous things. In strong winds they can be a bugger to control. It doesn’t take much for their delicate frames to get buffeted around on the motorway. They get in other people’s way too. They’re usually in the wrong lane. And they’re usually driven by people who we perceive to have absolutely no idea of what’s going on in the world around them.

Sometimes those same vehicles can come a cropper, unceremoniously upturned on the side of the road with their owners stood on the hard shoulder looking on dazed and confused.

Egos bruised. Wife balling her eyes out at the prospect of their annual holiday totally ruined. Police having to close motorway lanes and redirect traffic. It’s all a bit unfortunate, ever so slightly embarrassing and probably signals something important for all concerned.

Time to retreat. Clear up the mess in front of you. Slope off home (it’s OK to feel sorry for yourself, sir). Make yourself a cup of tea. Put your feet up. And rest awhile.

The insurance may pay out for the caravan. Maybe you can spend that money on a replacement or take your wife off for a week-long stay in a 5-star hotel as recompense. She probably deserves it. She only said she liked caravanning holidays to please you anyway.

The analogy has gone on a good deal long than I anticipated. Still, it’s pertinent.

I’ve been buffeted around too these past few days. My eyes are sore. My ego bruised. My fingers singed a bit.

So, I’m taking a break. Maybe for a week, maybe longer. Sometimes we all need a bit of a lay-by to avoid the potential for a jackknife. *

* The only caveat to this is a royal death. If the Queen dies, I’m back in the saddle.