The morning is like many others. The routine is as it has been for years with a few changes as the girls grew older and moved off to college. When they were not there to talk to, I found the noise of the TV to fill the morning silence. In the car and off to work…..halfway to the office, I remember I left my cell phone on the counter. What would you do? I’m guessing many of you would say, I would never have left home without it and many others would say turn around immediately as I can’t get through a day without it?
According to Statista ( http://www.statista.com/chart/1971/electronic-media-use/) adults spend more than 11 hours a day using some sort of technology. A recent Gallup report indicates that more than 80% of us keep our phones with us and 72% check it at least once an hour. The younger users (18-29 year olds) check their phones every few minutes and seem to think its just normal behavior. (http://www.statista.com/chart/3666/frequency-of-smartphone-usage/)
There’s been a fair amount of conversation recently concerning the act of “unplugging”, time to lay technology aside and be more present in the here and now. Granted, my perspective is going to be from the older end of the age charts. I’ve been told I’m a technology immigrant, not a native which may help others understand my perspective. This summer I was afforded the opportunity to take a two week vacation with family and friends. It involved horses, camping, hiking and beautiful scenery. We were in locations where there was truly no access to use the phones, computers or tablets. From my perspective, it was wonderful. I felt no guilt in not checking my e-mail, Facebook, or Twitter because my focus was on the beauty before me and the fellowship around me. Did I take pictures? You bet I did. Did we talk and laugh and enjoy each other’s company? Absolutely! Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
What did I learn? That the distraction of the TV in the morning added about 20-30 minutes to my routine and to date I haven’t resumed that part. I find the quiet in the morning a peaceful way to start the day. The phone provides connectivity with family and friends but I find I don’t need it the same way I did. Why do I share this?
What was your life like 5 years ago? The smart phone had only been around for a couple of years and was more expensive than most of us could afford. We spent our time talking to our family and engaging with them during meals, driving in the car and at bedtime. A recent report from Highlights, titled “The State of the Kid, 2014” (https://cdn.highlights.com/hfc/highlights/state-of-the-kid/Highlights-SOTK14.pdf) indicates that children as early as the age of 6 identify when parents are not paying attention to them and the major challenge is the cell phone.
So what’s your choice? I share this information, to remind each of us that we have daily choices on how we spend our time. It is only intended to be a personal check in for each of us as we define our daily priorities. Remember to value the moments and relationships, for all too quickly, this too shall pass.
