One thing I am trying to be better about (especially in the era of waiting for kids during dance class or at a practice or even in a long line!) is to chat with those around me! I rarely find myself alone in such instances and I think the art of conversation is a lost one and very much how we find ourselves in such a hostile world these days. I've made a few pretty good friends that way (especially waiting during kid's classes) and if I had just stayed quiet and only looked at my phone the whole time I would have missed out!
The point that being on social media can leave you feeling much worse about your life is one I feel is increasingly true - I find if I just compare myself to actual people I know in real life I feel pretty solid about where I'm at but compared to people I "know" online I often feel like I'm failing in some way. Cutting back on time on instagram in particular helps with this (very much a better said than done situation still for me but I have at least admitted it to myself!)
I love this! I’ve (at times) made an effort to intentionally leave my phone in my purse and look around, observe. I’m going to try your other ideas, especially the tiny notebook for things being memorized. Your description of the island in Maine sounds like the one my family is from: Vinalhaven. It’s where my grandma grew up, and I’ve spend some time there over the course of my life, although not nearly as much as I’d like.
Yep, this is absolutely one of the big ones. It feels hard but so good to not pull the phone out. I think it was Susan wise Bauer, who said the real problem with technology is how it creeps and all sorts of small moments. That really stuck with me. I’ve just started practicing letting myself sit and enjoy the quiet. It’s a little itchy boring but also feels powerful. Thanks Em 🧡
Thanks for this perspective! I usually go for reading a book (which is sometimes not convenient to pack) or articles (on the phone, meh). We do love playing Wordle! All the NYT games, truly! But you’re right - those little pockets of idle time are perfect to just letting your mind wander. Planning to get a mini journal for my purse asap!
And if that’s a random question, let me explain: Every student there (at least as of 2007, when I took it) has to take English 200, where she reads Canterbury Tales in Middle English and recites the opening!
I love to meal plan in the in between times. I’ll think through what we’re feeling this week, what I think we have going on, then get an idea of what type of food we’d like to eat. This helps for when I get back to my phone and can look up recipes that fit into the categories I’ve already determined.
I definitely use the look around and notice space. I love making up stories in my head on how people know each other or why they’re at that place tonight.
Same! Makes me think about screen-free road trips - one of the things I did most as a child was look out the window and wonder about who lived in the houses or towns we were passing. I still do!
Such great ideas! And I love the Lock Screen - a very practical reminder! I often love reciting previous verses of the Bible I have memorized and reflecting on those and using them to pray. I once heard a quote about how important it is to spend time "sharpening our swords" aka practicing previously memorized Bible passages instead of just always wanting to memorize new ones. Also, I like to pray for the people I see around me, especially if I'm people watching in a busy place where others may have negative attitudes or actions. Instead of judging them (which might be my natural sinful inclination) I can pray that God well help them in their own challenges, parenting struggles, etc., whatever it might be!
One thing I am trying to be better about (especially in the era of waiting for kids during dance class or at a practice or even in a long line!) is to chat with those around me! I rarely find myself alone in such instances and I think the art of conversation is a lost one and very much how we find ourselves in such a hostile world these days. I've made a few pretty good friends that way (especially waiting during kid's classes) and if I had just stayed quiet and only looked at my phone the whole time I would have missed out!
The point that being on social media can leave you feeling much worse about your life is one I feel is increasingly true - I find if I just compare myself to actual people I know in real life I feel pretty solid about where I'm at but compared to people I "know" online I often feel like I'm failing in some way. Cutting back on time on instagram in particular helps with this (very much a better said than done situation still for me but I have at least admitted it to myself!)
Completely agree with this!!
I love this! I’ve (at times) made an effort to intentionally leave my phone in my purse and look around, observe. I’m going to try your other ideas, especially the tiny notebook for things being memorized. Your description of the island in Maine sounds like the one my family is from: Vinalhaven. It’s where my grandma grew up, and I’ve spend some time there over the course of my life, although not nearly as much as I’d like.
I have heard magical things about Vinalhaven! I'm sure it's similar to our special place 💙
Not looking down at your phone is so rare now, just the act of not doing this brings me immense joy and contentment.
Agreed!! It's our contrarian streak 😂
Great ideas! Making that pic my Lock Screen now
Yep, this is absolutely one of the big ones. It feels hard but so good to not pull the phone out. I think it was Susan wise Bauer, who said the real problem with technology is how it creeps and all sorts of small moments. That really stuck with me. I’ve just started practicing letting myself sit and enjoy the quiet. It’s a little itchy boring but also feels powerful. Thanks Em 🧡
Itchy boring but also powerful - yes, you nailed it!
Thanks for this perspective! I usually go for reading a book (which is sometimes not convenient to pack) or articles (on the phone, meh). We do love playing Wordle! All the NYT games, truly! But you’re right - those little pockets of idle time are perfect to just letting your mind wander. Planning to get a mini journal for my purse asap!
Did you go to Meredith College?
And if that’s a random question, let me explain: Every student there (at least as of 2007, when I took it) has to take English 200, where she reads Canterbury Tales in Middle English and recites the opening!
I did not, but I love to hear it!!
I love to meal plan in the in between times. I’ll think through what we’re feeling this week, what I think we have going on, then get an idea of what type of food we’d like to eat. This helps for when I get back to my phone and can look up recipes that fit into the categories I’ve already determined.
I definitely use the look around and notice space. I love making up stories in my head on how people know each other or why they’re at that place tonight.
Same! Makes me think about screen-free road trips - one of the things I did most as a child was look out the window and wonder about who lived in the houses or towns we were passing. I still do!
So encouraging - love all these ideas. Keeping them in my pocket!
Such great ideas! And I love the Lock Screen - a very practical reminder! I often love reciting previous verses of the Bible I have memorized and reflecting on those and using them to pray. I once heard a quote about how important it is to spend time "sharpening our swords" aka practicing previously memorized Bible passages instead of just always wanting to memorize new ones. Also, I like to pray for the people I see around me, especially if I'm people watching in a busy place where others may have negative attitudes or actions. Instead of judging them (which might be my natural sinful inclination) I can pray that God well help them in their own challenges, parenting struggles, etc., whatever it might be!