I mentioned last month that I have given up using my phone around family members. I don’t carry it around the house with me. I have it set to “do not disturb” so it can’t make noises when someone posts something online or I get a text. I check it when I walk through the bedroom or kitchen where I leave it. When I have an appointment to visit someone I don’t bring it into the house.
I have learned that I was using the phone as an escape and a way to “numb” stress. I still use it for this. But not as often.
I have looked at social media less and I don’t miss it.
I have read more. I am plowing through books again like the days before I had a smartphone.
I check my email less often and I have forgotten to respond to a few messages. (I am still finding a balance.)
I have a new phone from Christmas but I am still not familiar with it because I don’t carry it like my other phone.
I am still thankful for a smartphone. I rely on texting to keep my presidency and compassionate service leaders informed. I still like being online. I still like creating my blog. I just needed to reign in the time and eliminate the phone as part of what family saw when they looked at me.
I don’t know if it has to do with less phone use or nutrition or that January ended, but I have been more cheerful. I have felt more emotion of other kinds, too.
We will see what else happens as time goes by.