I like to think that I am pretty good at finding my way around a new city or area, without the help of electronics. When I am with my husband, however, he likes to think he is even better at it. From experience, we have learned though, that at least 90 % of the time, my sense of direction is better than his. We have also learned that he is very stubborn. To keep it fun, when we both feel like we are certain about where we should go, we decide to go where he knows our destination will be. After five to ten minutes, I usually turn to him and say ”I don’t think this is where we were supposed to go” and he always replies with “Well, then let’s go on an adventure!”.
These are the moment I am pretty happy that we cannot retrieve the information from the internet. It is just more fun this way. We see something new, we tease each other, and we laugh. Because really; what is the rush?
“I need my phone!”
Every now and then, I hear myself say ”Hold on; I need to grab my phone”. But do I really? When I go on a trip or when I am waiting for an important phone call, you could say I need my phone. But how often is that the case though? I find that our phones and other electronics answer questions so fast, that it ruins the fun. I like to hear my family and friends argue passionately about why they are both confident that X or Y is true. You get to know each other a bit better, you learn how to argue your point of view, and even more importantly, you learn how to be wrong every now and then without it being a big deal.
The best part about not being on your phone all the time is that you are present and can enjoy the time you are spending with the people around you. It is a shame that when you put in the effort to get together, you spend that time checking in with other people or are otherwise preoccupied with things that are happening elsewhere. Enjoy the time you have together.
Don’t get me wrong …
Don’t get me wrong. Obviously, I make a living by reaching people through [my websites] and to connect with people; I use social media. The internet is amazing for many reasons. For instance, I do not think I could have lived abroad if I couldn’t stay in touch with my friends and family. Being able to read the news everywhere is amazing and having my music readily available is just the best. So access to the internet everywhere we go is incredibly convenient and great. It is especially nice that you can shut yourself off from the world when you want to relax and recharge after a long day at work. But when you do this all the time, you are missing out. You are not noticing the people around you that might make you smile. The lady with back pain that you would have helped out by picking up the keys she just dropped. The little kid who has been making weird faces at the people around it and was just hoping for someone to play with, while both parents were busy on their phones. So what to do?
Screen-Free moments
Technology is so intertwined in most of our lives that it is not always easy to untangle yourself but every once in a while; try.
- First, realise the impact your phone has on your life. You are constantly available, is it causing you stress? How often are you on your phone? What do you do, when you are on your phone?
- Whenever you meet up with your friends, place all your phones in a box and put it to the side.
- Sit outside and just look around.
- Use a map to find your way around and see where it takes you.
- Create a weekly screen-free evening with your family or go all-out and leave your phone at home for an entire day (I hear you thinking: ”But how will I get around, pay for what I need etc. etc.?” Well, we were just fine before we all had smartphones so just try it.).
What to do without a screen
Come on; you can look that up on your phone ;).
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