I miss the time when we all had landlines. Where you could go out, free of cell phones and gadgets; no one could reach you and there were no interruptions by flashing little red lights, buzzes or beeps to draw you away from what you were doing or seeing.
Pre cell phones, it was easier to be immersed in the moment. Immersed in the conversation of the person you were with, immersed in the sights and sounds of your surroundings. You were “out”. When you got home, you pressed the green “play” button on your answering machines, returned any calls you felt like returning and that was that. Simple as that.
Do you remember those times? It was only 15 years ago or so!
There was nothing to interrupt brunch with a friend, an afternoon out exploring the city, or park time with your kids. Nothing to do on the bus, but look out the window, observe people going about their day or the scenery passing by. You had moments to be alone with your thoughts and nothing to do but be in the moment. I miss those times.
Now, on our plate, we return:
- emails
- texts
- BBMs,
- Facebook likes or posts,
- work correspondence
- family correspondence
- home voice mails
- Cell voice mails
Doesn’t that list seem like a lot of extra things we now all need to address? Is all this technology actually making our lives easier? I sometimes feel like it gives us more to do!
I have started lately to experiment with setting up my own “technology boundaries”. I disabled the email and browser access on my phone, I check my voice mail only once per day, and I keep my phone on silent (not vibrate, but silent).
This drives some people (especially my almost retired parents) a bit crazy, but I think those around me have have grown to accept it and realize that I much prefer talking to people in person, even if less frequent. Don’t get me wrong, if there is an emergency, important matter or anyone needs immediate support, people know to call me twice (I would see the missed calls) and text me as I do check my texts at various intended times in the day – such that I can get back to them asap. Setting these cell phone boundaries was challenging at first, but now, the expectation is set and people do not expect me to be available 24 hours a day; they just assume I am out and about enjoying my day, working, or fully focused on my kids.
So far, so good =)