I wrote this blog as I was riding with my mom and brother to Fort Benning to see my other brother graduate from Jump School.
Pretty cool! I'm exited to see him again.
While traveling, an article my husband Ricky forwarded to me the other day crossed my mind.
It was all about how parents are addicted to our cell phones and pay more attention to them rather than our own children.
I skimmed the article because I felt so embarrassed. I fit the criteria to a T.
After forcing myself to read the article I cried.
It was then, I realized I was addicted to my iPhone!
I was no different than a drug addict… checking email, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, etc…
I'd start with Instagram making sure to look at every single new picture in my feed, then I'd go back up to the top to see if anyone posted any new pics.
Then I'd go look at my tags and do a few other things… and that was just Instagram!
The worst part is that during all this my kids would be asking me things, trying to get me to look at things, etc. And while they were doing that I'd just say, “Hold on guys. Give me a minute.”
After I read the article I asked the kids how they felt about me always being on my phone.
Nya, my 9 year old, said “You never pay attention to me when you're on your phone Mom.”… “You always tell me to wait.”… “You're always on Instagram.”
WHOA what a wake up call! I had tears in my eyes and at that very moment I apologized to the kids.
At that moment I decided to turn my phone off when I pull into my driveway and it doesn't come back on until I get to the office.
Ask yourself 2 questions.
Question 1: Am I addicted to my phone?
Question 2: Is it affecting my children?
If you answered yes to either of those questions, it's time to regroup and restart.
Here are just a few of the ways my life has improved since got rid of my iPhone addiction.
1. I've learned to relax more. My mind isn't always searching and looking for something to do.
2. I'm more creative, now that I don't have my brain turned to the “on” position all day long I'm coming up with better ideas.
3. I'm a better parent and wife. Now when my husband or kids talk to me I can look in their eyes and focus on what they are saying and be more involved in the communication instead of wondering how many texts I have, missed calls, etc.
And that's just three things, there are many more.
I love my iPhone and will not be getting rid of it. But you can't live your REAL life on a device 24/7.
Apple employs thousands of 6-figure engineers and designers to make sure you never put that phone down, that you're buying their Apps, and that their technology is integrated into every area of your life.
Don't allow it. Take a stand today to reclaim your life and your mind and start using your phone as a tool, not something you have to live with from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep.
In the long run you will regret it.
Food for thought.
Be blessed,
