The surprising benefits of losing my phone
Let’s start with something that happened this morning. I was a little bit in rush because I needed to be earlier at school than usual. Suddenly while I was listening to some music and drinking my black tea my phone lock-button stopped working. No response at all while music was still playing through my headphones. I figured that I can wake it up by opening the SIM slot. It worked and could inform my family members, that I won’t be reachable that day. I took my older phone with me so I could swap my SIM card and use it at least for calling and SMS.
My sudden loss of a phone/infotainment/distraction meant that I had to sit alone with my thoughts on the bus. I felt angry and hopeless. However in a matter of few minutes I realized how irrational I’m being and feeling. It’s not the end of the world, it’s just a phone for Christ’s sake. I calmed down and started thinking. Weirdly enough I felt free and at peace. Almost as if one of my biggest worries disappeared. I was still a little anxious about not knowing what the time was and when was the time to catch my next bus, but not that much. When I arrived at school I somehow fixed my phone and this was likely just a software bug.
Today’s experience made me realize just how much I need my phone in my presence. I got my social media addiction more under control but I still felt so naked without my phone and constant connection to the “outer world”. Maybe it’s the constant tension of “what if this and what if that”. What if a family member needs my help? What if my friend needs my immediate and undivided attention because of some time sensitive matter? What I’ve realised today is that if there was an actual emergency, I would likely not be the first person somebody would call. I should chill the fuck out sort of speak. I should not stress myself over a one missed call. I should not stress over a late reply to my friends messages.
Your takeaway should be; don’t stress over a missed phone call, don’t fall into FOMO, don’t be overreliant on technology and buy a mechanical watch haha.