You know how smartphones are pretty much the best thing ever invented? You can play games on them, listen to music, see what your friends are up to on Facebook and Twitter, and they will even tell you how to get where you need to go. I love my smartphone. Love. It. Perhaps I love it too much. In fact, I’m afraid my smartphone use is the reason I never seem to have time for anything, and never manage to get anything done. Do I know what you ate for dinner? Yes. Do I know what I’m making for dinner? No. Why? Because checking your Facebook status is a lot easier for me than cooking is.
I’m to the point that my house is a mess (Well, this is nothing new, but I’m really tired of it.), my mind is a mess, and we are starting back up with a more rigid schedule for school. I obviously don’t have the willpower to not play with my phone until all the important things are done, so I think I need to take a step back, technologically. I am seriously considering giving up the convenience of my fancy do-it-all phone. It’s not an easy decision until I look at it from a different angle… I love my family. I don’t want my husband or my kids to ever feel like they are low on my priority list because I’m busy doing something on my phone. The worst part is that I know that they have felt that, and it breaks my heart. I don’t need the constant connection to social media, but I do need PJ and the kids.
I will still be able to stay connected. I do have a laptop and an e-reader with wi-fi. I can still play games and check updates, but it will be a lot less convenient for me. Instead, I will focus on making my house more inviting to real life guests. I’m tired of worrying that someone will come over with my house in a state of chaos. I will make a conscious effort to actually cook real food for dinner. I will take better care of myself, my home, and my family. I will put in more time with the kids on school work. I will also miss my internet friends a lot. The good news is that I will still be able to text, and we’ll save $30 a month by getting rid of my data package. 
Is there something that keeps you from getting important things done? Does your family ever feel neglected because of it? Would they answer the first two questions differently than you did?
Honestly, I’ve considered the same. I “unplugged” this weekend. And there were moments it was difficult. I’d have a quiet moment & instead of…enjoying it? Doing something worthwhile? I’d find myself reaching for my phone. I use mine for everything…calendar, to-do list, planning meals, shopping lists. I’m rarely in front of anything else except at work (or for school). I don’t want to give those aspects of convenience up because they actually make me a better wife & mother. But maybe removing Facebook and Twitter from my phone again wouldn’t be a bad move. Or at least the widgets on the front screen? Dunno. I’m proud of you. You rock. Oh and I WILL text you if I don’t hear from you often enough.
My new phone will still have the calendar and other basic functions I use, so it isn’t a total downgrade. I just can’t be trusted with a smartphone.
I think this is a brilliant idea and will be very good for you. I do hope to still see you around, of course. ((Hugs))
You’ll still see me, but I might start bugging the heck out of you with texts as I go through withdrawal.
A little less than a year ago, I made the down-grade from a smartsy phone to a “dumb phone”, for this very reason. I would get so caught up with social media and games that I wouldn’t do anything other than that. I hope this journey is as freeing as you are looking forward to!
Thank you. I am afraid I will have a really hard time with it, but as looking forward to the benefits.