Everyone seems to have some sort of mobile device. Me, I use a flip phone that takes and receives calls and can do some texting. I can leave it in the car while I shop or have a meal. It is not the first thing I look at when I get up in the morning, nor the last at night. I used to travel without a phone and I seemed to get where I needed. So why have we become so dependent on such a device?
I really can’t answer that question. My observation is everyone seems to be in need of one, or think they are. What happened to allowing life to happen, and why do we need to know so much information? Of what use is it ? I know for some the phone has become a mini-computer and people rely on these phones for their business. Others use it for their social life and their identity. The phone can fill our recreational desires, and yes I know it takes great pictures .
I like my pictures in my hand so I can see them and touch them, hang them on a wall to see at all times. Phone can also rob us of the interpersonal part of our life, such as going to the bank and talking with a teller, instead of snapping a picture of a check for deposit.
Don’t get me wrong: technology is here to stay, and it has its pros and cons. But I think we need to step back some and hold onto some simpler things in life. Example: while at a restaurant or having dinner at home , put the phones down and talk with each other. Or maybe while you are working, get rid of the ear buds and music, and pay attention to your boss. Be more respectful of others while you are walking, crossing streets, and paying attention to the beauty around you.
When was the last time you admired someone’s yard, or a lovely tree, looked before you crossed a street, or smiled at a passerby? A challenge would be to leave your phone alone for a few hours a day. Choose not to look at it first thing in the morning. Instead, enjoy the beauty of a sunrise or the fact you are alive and breathing. If you can’t do that, it’s time to reevaluate the function of your phone.
It is not meant to be your life source of all things. Surprise surprise! What do you do when there is no cell service? You don’t melt away; you find other things to do. Like go fishing, camping, riding your ATV , or maybe read a book.
What if we had a complete loss of service? No phones period. What would kids do without games to play on the phone? Would they have to learn how to play outside? High school students would have to talk with one another, and school would be quite different. Teachers could not use computers or iPads to teach. Students and teachers might be talking with one another…novel idea. Kids might have to write their homework, and maybe even know cursive. Most children have never learned cursive— I call it writing.
When technology is stopped, what can you do? Are you ready to survive on the basics of life, no immediate phone service, or possibly no lights or water? When a disaster strikes, being able to survive brings that reality close to home. Are you prepared? With all that is going on in the world today, get your minds out of the phones and into the real world of life. Look around and pay attention to how our country is changing, not for the good. Get involved with your local community and be proud of your country. So with that, God Bless America and “it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood.”