Cell Phone Challenge-2 Weeks Later

Two weeks ago I said I was going to challenge myself to give up almost all use of my cellphone. To see that post, go here: http://sparrowsramblings.blogspot.com/2014/03/are-you-ready-for-challenge.html

Not only did I go above and beyond what my challenge goals were, I found it surprisingly easy!

OK, OK, so the first two days were a little strange. I found myself reaching for my phone as I normally did and had to actually put it out of my sight to stop the habit of doing that. In fact, I was downright shocked at how habitual it had become.

The day before the challenge started, my husband and I talked about it, went over the goals, and agreed to try our hardest. I even went as far as to tell my family and friends about it, so they would know that I was not ignoring them. I also deleted all social media apps off my phone.

I got in the habit of leaving my phone in my glove compartment before heading in to appointments or stores. This was a huge accomplishment for me. I held firmly to the rule of not using my phone in the company of others, except for one time when I was visiting at a friend's house and wanted to tell my daughter goodnight.

It was really interesting to sit with someone and give them my undivided attention without interruption. I have to admit that this was not a huge problem for people outside of my home. My family were the ones that had to put up with my rudeness and lack of attention. It felt awesome to actively listen and make eye contact without saying, "just a second, I need to check who's texting me".

It has been absolutely freeing to let go.

Interestingly enough, during the two weeks of the challenge we had to buy our daughter a new phone as hers had broken. At Verizon, I asked about our data plans because I wanted to make sure we weren't in danger of going over our allowance. I actually asked about cancelling my data plan.. I had come to that point. I realized that I could easily live without a smart phone. Unfortunately, I would have to buy a new phone to do that.. but I think I will be doing that once this phone no longer works.

I asked my husband if he wanted me to write about how he did with it..and he said it was ok.

Simply put, he didn't try at all. He was really great if I asked specifically for him to put his phone away..but otherwise, it was as if we had never discussed the challenge.

I'm going to admit, I was a bit disappointed that no one else accepted the challenge. It would have been fun to see how it changed other's perspectives on it. Kudos to my cousin who isn't a cell phone user but did agree to challenge herself to not use her computer as much!

I haven't decided where to go from here as far as allowing myself to have the social media apps on my phone again. I can for sure say this.. I will continue to leave my phone in my car. I will continue to put it on vibrate and not use it in the presence of others unless there is an actual need. I will use it as a phone and not a portable entertainment device.

I've made some really great changes and had some pretty awesome discoveries by stepping away from my phone, I can't see me going back to the way it was two weeks ago.