It’s the new year and though I don’t usually set myself resolutions, this year I’m definitely setting myself one, and I don’t think it’s too unobtainable either.
When Cora was a newborn and we were home together – sometimes days at a time – I became very reliant on my phone as it was my only connection to other people. Other people that didn’t need their diaper changed, I should say. It was my only contact with what was going on in the world and I became very addicted to my phone. Not to mention social media has its way of destroying our attention span and other lovely things.
I was very aware that my problem was getting out of control and wasn’t healthy [the worse I felt could be directly related to how long I was spending on my phone], and I always had the intention of cutting down on my phone use, but what really made me decide to do something about it was Cora. She was getting older and good god she was catching on to things so quickly. At less than a year old she knew how to unlock my phone [it’s a swipe movement to unlock it so it was complete fluke at first] and knew to hold a phone up to her ear and say “hi!”.
I started my resolution a few weeks ago and it’s tough. Being able to access whatever you want with a few swipes of your finger is such a trap, but I’m working on it. I’ve managed to become more aware of when I mindlessly pick it up and I say to myself, do I need to be on my phone right now? And chances are, no. Social media is an incredible thing and I don’t hate it entirely, but I’ll be logging out a lot more these days.
What about you? Do you set yourself new years resolutions? Or do you find the idea of them more of a burden? Or is this the year you’re going to, like me, try to set a realistic one that can only have positive benefits?
I know we’ve spoken loads about this before, but I totally agree with trying to switch off from social media. It has it’s benefits – without our blogs we would never have met! – but, we really need to get out of the online world and into the real world! (I say, as I sit here in an online bubble, reading your blog!!)
I think I have noticed a difference in your presence on your phone actually – so I’d say you’re doing a good job! (Unless it’s just that you hate me and Kimberly now!!) ;P
I don’t tend to make proper resolutions, but my new year goal is decluttering! That one comes up a lot for me – but Rob and I have started well this year with a big tidy up and clear out (that is still ongoing). Rob’s really into it this time too, which makes it easier than me trying to nag him and us getting nowhere. In fact, I’d say he’s done more than me so far, so yay!
I do also want to follow you and try to avoid looking at my phone so much. It’s the mindless scrolling that’s the worse. I will aim to do this too! xx