Disconnected yet reconnected. This is how I feel right now. My
cell phone has been out of commission for over three weeks. It hasn’t been easy
to live without my phone but it has been an eye-opening experience. Here are
five things that this new age technology have reminded me of:
1.
Good versus Best. Being released of the clutter
of life that comes from constant phone calls, responding to emails throughout
the day, continuous social media posting and reviewing, etc has allowed me to
focus on some of the more important things in life. I’m getting back to the
basics. Note that the things listed above are not bad. In fact, in many
respects, I think they’re good. However, being released from the clutter helps
to re-direct us towards the best that life has to offer.
Spend some time in self-reflection. If you did not have a cell phone, what would your life be like?

2.
Respect. Boundaries DO exist. “Me” time. Spiritual time. Meditation. Family
time. Work obligations. Scheduled activities. Vacation. There's a time and place for everything. Although cell phones are
convenient because they minimize our limitations to access others, cell phones
do not create an inherent right for people to disrespect the time and
boundaries of others. Everyone’s priorities and boundaries are different.
Respect differences and accept that others may not always be available to you.
3.
Preparation. “Improper planning on your part
does not constitute an emergency on my part.” So no, I will not be able to
respond to your need in less than 24 hours of your request. No, I will not work
late in the evening or early in the morning to address your last minute
request. No, I will not inconvenience myself because of your failure to plan. I
will no longer allow others to devalue my time through usage of my cell phone
to make a last minute request. Prepare in advance and together we will get the job
done!
4.
Steadfastness. Where there’s a will, there’s a
way. One of my life mottos is that we find a way to accomplish the things we
truly want to accomplish. Regardless of whether you have a time conflict, a
financial conflict, a relational conflict, or some other conflict, I believe you will find a way
to accomplish the things and make time for the people that matter the most to you. In spite of not having a
phone, I have still been able to get my daughters to their activities, attend
all of my work obligations, and participate in my ministry and sorority events.
5.
Resourcefulness. Cell phones, office phones,
home phones, email, google chat, facebook messenger, snail mail, groupme and white
boards. Cell phones provide very easy access to people. However, they are not
the only means of communication. When my cell phone failed, we simply found alternative
ways to communicate. Were the alternatives ideal? Not really, but they
accomplished the goal. Communication should not always be dependent upon
convenience. Be flexible. Tapping into all of your resources will always
produce fruitfulness.
I know that I am missing out on some
good things without my cell phone. However, I am in no rush to return to the
rat race that I have been stuck in for longer than I can remember. Life is precious
and I have been allowing it to pass me by. My cell phone has had me un-focused and
not at my best. I am returning to my best and I realize that not everything I’ve
done or everyone whom I have come into contact with be able to continue this life journey
with me. I’m completely okay with that!Spend some time in self-reflection. If you did not have a cell phone, what would your life be like?
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