I had another self-realization moment yesterday on my walk home from work and thought I’d share with the class.
Why is it that I can’t walk anywhere without using my phone? I’m not talking about listening to music or taking a phone call…I mean the need to be connected to social media at all times. It’s not even like I’m walking very far. Every day I walk 2 blocks to the subway, another couple blocks from the subway to work, and back again. Yet when I’m alone, I always unconsciously pull out my phone. Even when I go for dinner with someone and they get up to use the washroom, I whip out my phone to pass the time. Whether it be Snapchat, scrolling through Instagram, or texting someone, something in me always needs to be connected.
I’ve realized I kind of hate that.
It reminds me of this interview with Louis C.K. and his feelings on putting your phone down:
Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE my phone and I love connecting with people. But I really need to start taking the time to live in the moment and give the iPhone a rest. Louis talks about “the ability to sit there” and how that is “being a person.” I love that.
This idea of forcing myself out of my online comfort zone reminded me of other things that I avoid because it’s easier. It’s so much easier to sit on my couch after work and watch Netflix rather than put on workout clothes and go for a run. Similarly, it’s easier to complain about being out of shape rather than doing something about it. It also takes so much less work to stay in and relax than make plans with friends and get out of the house. There are so many things that I avoid (and maybe miss out on) on because I take the easy route.
WHAT’S WITH THE LAZINESS, CHICK. This month, I’m challenging myself to pull myself out of my rut. Time to put down my phone and live in the moment; time to get active and be outside; time to make delicious food and make memories with friends, because my 20s won’t last forever.
I challenge YOU to be self-aware this month! Let yourself live in the moment and not online, and push yourself to do things you know you should do (but have been too lazy to make happen).