The other week I connected with three friends over dinner. We try to get together regularly, but with busy schedules it’s not easy. We had lots to catch up on but first things first…. We had to update our status and location on social media. And, of course, a few times through the meal at least once of us replied to a text message or looked something up on Google.

What does it say about us that we couldn’t go an entire meal without being plugged in?

How’s this for a challenge? Tomorrow beginning at sundown is the National Day of Unplugging, a 24-hour period running from sunset to sunset March 7-8.

Instead of chronicling your every move or stalking your friends on Facebook and Twitter, instead of reading a book on your Nook or Kindle, instead of texting a loved one, unplug.

Use the 24 hours to unwind, relax and reflect. You can go outside. You could meet friends for lunch, but only if you put your electronics away. You could go to the library and check out a book.

I haven’t gone so far as to sign the pledge as I’m not sure I’m going to make it 24 hours. I’m glad I was able to publish this blog today. I suspect I’ll be on Facebook catching up on the latest before going dark. But come sunset on Friday, I’ll shut down my devices and see if I can make it 24 hours unplugged.

What about you? Are you up for the challenge?