The Cell Phone Invasion

When I retire for the evening, I put my cell phone in my office. I’m distracted by it enough during the day, I don’t need it to distract me from my sleep or anything else going on in my bedroom during the night. Wink. Wink.

I’m in a love/hate relationship with my cell phone.

I love my cell phone.

When I’m bored with my surroundings I have a friend who is always there for me. When I have to wait in line, I can do something other than… well… just wait. When I am driving I can talk with someone via my blue tooth device. I receive heartwarming pictures from my family, especially pictures of my adorable grandson. I receive loving texts from my husband during the day. I can stay up-to-date with all my family and friends around the country. If I need information, finding answers is seconds away. It’s pretty cool. I love my cell phone.

I hate my cell phone.

As a person with ADHD, I already struggle with staying focused. I can be pulled of coarse for hours because something caught my attention on my phone. Once off coarse, I can completely forget about the laundry I told my husband I’d take care of or the milk I was supposed to pick up. I hate that when I’m at a high school softball game with a friend I get a text about a work problem, and can no longer focus on the game until I can take care of whatever the problem is. I hate that when I’m out with my husband and I can hear my phone—even though I keep it on vibrate and in my purse—I’m instantly distracted. I hate that people can reach me when I’d rather not be reached sometimes.

I HATE THAT MY CELL PHONE KEEPS ME FROM BEING PRESENT.

Has your cell phone caused you to miss out on life? It’s a great device to have but it can also take over the control of your life.

In a lot of ways I feel as though I have lost control over my own life. I made a decision to put the phone away when my husband arrived home in the evening. And for a while I was successful. But then, ya wanna know what? That little booger made its way back into my living room and sat securely on the coffee table teasing and taunting me with Nanny nanny nanny you can’t hide me! And that little stinkin’ device is right. It has control over me. What if my kids need me? What if the email I’m waiting for about work comes in? What if a friend wants to get together tomorrow? What if my texts and emails start piling up and I can’t catch up? What if…

What if…

What if…

What if I am hurting my relationships and my overall health because I’ve lost control due to a piece of metal I’m holding in my hand?

I’m a little afraid.

I’m afraid for our children. Are parents talking to them as much as they are on their cell phones?

I’m afraid for our families. Have cell phones taken over the dinner tables? Are families even eating together around the dinner table?

I’m afraid for husbands and wives who are not getting as much attention as a cell phone is.

I’m afraid for the toddler who’s playing with a device instead of playing on a playground.

I’m afraid for the teenager who logs in more hours on their phone than talking to their parents.

I’m afraid we are losing personal interaction and connection with other people.

I’m afraid one day I will look back and realize I handed my life over to an electronic device that stole what I hold most important and valuable in life.

I’m afraid, and because I’m afraid I am going to do something about it.

I can take control back!

I can take control over this little metal piece!

I know how to turn off my cell phone and I am going to stop acting like I don’t know how.

I am going to turn it off! Instead of just putting it away in the evening, I am going to turn it off, and then put it away.

I am going to be present with the people I am with.

I am going to love my family with my attention and my time.

I am going to focus on the things that are most important to me.

I am going to use my cell phone instead of letting it use me and steal my time. I’m telling that little booger Nanny nanny nanny you just watch me!

How about you? Has your cell phone device taken over? Is it time to take control back?

Let’s love people with our attention and our time.

Until next time, be present and be the best version of you…