The List Challenge - Day 1

So I will admit, I had high expectations for today’s item on my list. 

Day 1

I’ve had a phone since I was in 8th grade. I hate to admit it, but I think there have only been 2-3 times where I wasn’t glued to that phone for over a day. The only reason that happened was that my phone went kaput, and I couldn’t get a replacement for a few days. I was not happy.

These days, my phone really burdens me. It’s my own fault though, I just can’t keep away! So this had to be the first item on my list. I was both excited, but nervous I wouldn’t make it. 

So how did it go?

I will admit right away, I didn’t technically go all day without my phone. I did use it to print a mailing label, and I turned my ringer up in case I got a call. My goal was to stay away from the mindless checking and browsing I do all day long. Which I succeeded! Yay!

The first half of the day went great. Shabbat starts here at 4:30pm, so I had cleaning to get done. Man, can I get a lot done without a phone to get in my way! I couldn’t believe it, ok actually I could, but wow! Another thing I noticed was that everyone seemed to be in a better mood...for the most part anyways. Coincidence maybe? I definitely enjoyed time with my kiddos more than normal today, too.

So did I struggle?

Oh yeah. By the time I was done with my cleaning, I started to have that itch to check my phone. No distraction to distract me from being distracted by my phone. I’d say from 4:30 to 6:30 was the longest stretch of the day. I actually felt that feeling of boredom I haven’t felt in quite a long time. 

My takeaway

How oblivious I have been to how much precious time my phone takes away from me. It doesn’t feel like I’m glued to it that much, but after today, I realized how much time it adds up to. Not only that, but in between checks, it’s as though I’m still distracted. I will definitely try to continue doing this once a week from now on. Not only for my own sake, but for my family’s as well. 

Looking forward to tomorrow!