It’s easy to forget just how much times have changed. I constantly feel relieved to have grown up in a world without mobile phones, without the internet, without the stress of maintaining a social media account (or five) before I was out of my teens.
Honestly, I don’t know how young people today cope with all of that and growing up. I didn’t get my first mobile phone until I was 18. I first used the internet at the age of 16 on a college open day. And yet, despite having managed half of my life without this technology on tap, I suddenly find I can’t live without it.
It’s crazy. I find myself idly flicking through articles, Facebook posts, YouTube videos and wondering why I’m doing that instead of something more productive. I have to make a conscious effort not to reach for my phone when I’m on the bus or train, forcing myself to appreciate the world around me rather than the little screen in my hand.
Even my dog has noticed that I use my phone too much. You can laugh, but I’m serious. A few time now, when we’ve got home from our morning walk and are having a cuddle on the sofa, I’ll reach for my phone to check my messages. Franklin will actively nudge my hand, on one occasion he made me drop my phone, to bring my attention back to him.
 |
| Franklin, showing me just how easy it is to chill at home |
In fact it was that incident that made me think about writing this blog. How can you switch off in a world that relies so heavily on connectivity? And as a freelancer, when you never quite know who might email or phone, how do you switch off without worrying?
I can tell you now it’s a struggle. In fact, some of my favourite places to escape to are ones where there is no phone signal. Bizarrely, when I know that no one can get in touch with me, I’m ok with it. I’ll check my emails when I get a chance, but until then there’s nothing I can do about it.
Walking the dog is another great escape for me. When I’m out with Franklin it’s our time, work isn’t something I can do while I’m throwing stones for him on the beach, or trying to keep him from chasing deer in the forest. Not being connected at those times feels fine, it feels right.
It’s when I actively decide to switch off for a bit at home that I struggle to relax. I feel like I should be available because I’m at home, even though no-one but me knows that. But even though it’s hard, I’m intensely aware of my need to switch off. Of my need to not be staring at a screen every hour of the day. Of my need for time to myself.
Don’t get me wrong, I love technology. The internet, smartphones, laptops and WiFi are all things that enable me to have a lifestyle I love and truly value. But I need to put them away from time to time. Life is about more than a screen. Sometimes you just need to stop and look around you. Watch anything from a beautiful sunset to a seagull hunting for worms without reaching for a phone to take a picture. To just enjoy the moment and know that it’s a private one for you.
I’m not saying never post on Instagram again - I actually really love Instagram, it’s made me really enjoy taking photos again - but do remember that things are better viewed with your eyes than through the screen of a smartphone or tablet.
Get out and see the world. Explore it. Experience it. Enjoy it. And live it. I know it’s something that I’m trying to make a conscious effort to do more.
