A Life Decluttered: Me & My Phone
I talk about simplifying and decluttering my physical world/reality all the time. How, by focusing on the physical, my mental (and spiritual, if I'm being honest here) world gains more serenity. That has been my experience.
I believe the inner and the outer work influence each other. So maybe that summer I spent doing yoga in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains planted a seed to simplify. I know my creative pursuits made a simple life a priority (and if you need more on that subject, check out my TedXIndianapolis Talk). By linking those experiences with this odd passion for organizing, minimalism became a true interest in my life. And here I am, blogging about it...
The more my life expands and changes, the more I'm forced to look at areas where I hold onto The Unnecessities (is that a word? 'cause I'm using it). A couple weeks ago on the blog, I mentioned a friend who'd decided - as a result of my TedX Talk - to quit Facebook. She is a mother of three (one of those three being a newborn little guy) and a teacher -- and it simply sucked up too much time in her life. So when she heard my challenge at the end of my talk - to 'chip away all that is unnecessary' - she did just that.
And I was in awe. I've often considered disengaging from social media. I know how much time it sucks from my life. But I am torn. My dearest are not the nearest in my life - my friends and family live everywhere, and social media brings us closer together. What's more, I use those platforms to connect with my readers! These two reasons alone are reason enough to stay connected. They bring much good to my life.
How can I hold onto the positive aspects of social media yet 'chip away' the habit of unconsciously grabbing my phone to check all outlets... many (many) times a day?
The stakes get higher as I pondered this question awaiting the arrival of my first baby. But as I pondered I realized that the issue wasn't necessarily social media, but rather my phone. It has become an appendage. It is with me always. The slightest moment of downtime, I grab it and scroll. If I'm being really honest, I know it's interfered with reading books. I daydream about catching up on my lllllllllong reading listwhile I nurse my babe, but what if I just resort to scrolling? And, oh this just sends shivers up my spine, but I have to be real with you -- if it's interfered with my reading habits, what has it done to my writing habits? AND looking ahead, before I know it my little one will observe all that I do -- and what if she notices my attention skews more toward my phone than to her at the slightest alert?
So I had a come to Jesus moment abut my phone. It took my newborn and the desire to hold her, not my device, to face this clutter in my life. It was humbling to realize, and its even more humbling to admit. But whatever it takes, right guys?
To detach from my phone, here is my plan:
I am going to give it a nook where it will live every day - just like the phones of yore. I will not carry it everywhere, and therefore will not check it on the regular. We will have separate lives.
I will have it on ring, not vibrate, so I can here when someone calls, in case of an emergency. And when someone calls and I am available for a chat, I'll welcome it. Because catching up with my loved ones is one of my greatest joys.
I will give myself two time periods throughout the day when I can check in - with news, social media, fave blogs, texts and the like - but these will be limited - perhaps timed. I'll let you know.
And I'm going to check back in with you all in a month to share how it all plays out -- for accountability's sake (thanks, guys!) but also because I believe that tackling this issue fits in with my organized approach to the art of simple, stylish living.
