My Secret Weapon: No Cell Phone
Let me tell you about my secret weapon for being in the moment…it’s as simple as not owing a smart phone.
It may come as a shock to many of you out there, but our family owns nothing more than a cheap pay as you go cell phone. We keep it in the vehicle for emergencies and might use it for one or two calls per month. Yeah, we just might be the only ones left in the world without a smart phone.
I get asked about it all the time and people cannot believe that I can run a website (or even function on a daily basis) without an iPhone or some other similar device. But it’s been this way for years and I don’t really plan on changing things.
I’m a guy who’s on my computer a lot, and I’m the first to admit how disconnected I am to things around me while on it. But here’s the beauty of it all. When I’m away from home or if my computer screen is shut, I’m in the moment and can focus on my Family or whomever else I’m with. No distractions, no temptation to get online, and no pinging or dinging sounds from my pocket.
I’ll also never be one of those drivers who spends more time looking at their cell phone screen than the road, because I simply do not use one. Oh, and you haven’t already, I invite all cyclists to join our “Drop the Phone” campaign.
I have no problems with smart phones or how consumed many people are with them. I’m just saying that I prefer my life this way and feel so free by not having one for myself. It really is my secret weapon.
I still might have a few things to learn about living life in the moment, but I sure do know that being cell phone free is something that helps get me closer to being fully there.
Snap. No smart phone here either. Like you I spend a lot of time on the computer and the last thing I want is more distractions when I’m away from the computer.
I love this. Really. Its SO right.
Darryl, thank you for this. a big inspiration and something I’m going to try to do.
That’s cool, Scott. I guess not ever getting into the habit of using a smart phone is easier than trying to break the habit….good luck with it and keep me updated.
Its impressive to see you living without an iPhone. It seems like the whole world has one and only 10% of them might actually need one. Good for you.
I like the idea of no smart phone, and I understand your philosophy. I working up the courage to actually do it.
No courage necessary, Lloyd. Just ditch it a few times and you’ll see how great it can be.
I’m exactly like you — no smart phone, just a cheapy prepaid phone for the (very) occasional call. I’m online far too much at home, so like you, when I go out, it is nice not to have that temptation to check email or Facebook. So, I am smartphone-free and loving it!
Thanks Emily. It might not be for everyone, but it totally works for me.
YES! I’m with you. We have a cheapo pay-as-you-go cell phone, but I can’t find the charger so it’s dead. Not sure when I’ll replace that thing… I love being disconnected when I leave the house. I don’t want to a) have my children on a leash all the time or b) be tethered to my husband and children. I want to go grocery shopping and make decisions all on my lonesome – I don’t need to call hubby to see if wants 7-grain or 11-grain bread. We don’t have a smart phone and I can’t see us getting one any time soon.
Kind of figured you and I would be on the same page with this one. Thanks, Nancy.
If it wasn’t for a smart phone I wouldn’t have read your message about how good it is not to have a smart phone. Thanks for sharing 😉
Good point, Sergey. But hopefully you would have tuned into Loving the Bike later on at home. Thanks for your input.
The reason I carry a smartphone is because I use it for mp3’s and taking pictures. There’s no internet on that thing (unless I’m either at work or at home).
Yeah, that is definitely beneficial. Good to see you finding the uses that work best for you.