For those who don’t know, I managed to leave my iPhone on board a Southwest jet last week as we began a Michigan vacation. As I departed in Detroit, it managed to stay snug and secure in the seat back pocket bound for Baltimore, MD, and then on to Las Vegas, NV. However, after a great deal of legwork by my better half, my beloved iPhone is en route, and we will be reunited on Tuesday.
Honestly? While I lamented the fact that my phone was not in my possession, I really enjoyed the freedom. I didn’t feel tethered to social media, much like I have in the past. It’s been liberating, refreshing, and sobering.
I realize how much of my life has been lived through the lens of social media, and after being without it for a week, I have a new appreciation for a few things.
Books. Real books. In a few days I have managed to devour 200+ pages of a new Stephen King novel I have been meaning to start. I also delved into some Kindle selections that have been on my radar for quite some time. Talk about satisfying…
Relationships. I savored a wonderful birthday trip to Cedar Point with my husband and my son without stopping every few minutes to snap a photo, check in via Swarm, or otherwise chronicle the day. I can honestly say it was beyond wonderful to walk into the park with nothing but my driver’s license and a bit of cash in my pocket. Hands free is the way to be.
School. I managed to complete a paper that I had started a little over a week ago that was due tonight by midnight. Without the distractions of social media, the paper practically wrote itself: fluid, beautiful, flowing, and finished by 5:30 p.m.
Life. I have lived life this past week without the scrutiny of ‘friends’ or ‘acquaintances’ via social media. I don’t feel pressure to keep up, inform, or otherwise notify anyone about my whereabouts, my inclinations, or my motivations.
I have enjoyed a fantastic week with my family. I have made memories. I have savored each and every relationship. I have focused on what is important in life without staring down at an iPhone every few minutes.
And I have done so without so much as a status update summarizing as much. Let this be a lesson.