Monday, March 7, 2016
Good morning,
If you live in Texas, you know we have been experiencing unseasonable spring like winter. It has been in the high 70’s and low 80’s over the last few weeks.
I ventured out to run some errands over the last weekend in my bright red convertible Volkswagen Bug, and yes, with the top down! Weather like we have had just immediately puts people in a good mood and sends everyone outside. I couldn’t help notice the folks walking their dogs, families with their children walking, some pushing little ones in strollers and of course all the bicyclist out as well.
As I enjoyed the weather and the views, I also noticed that no one was really paying any attention to their pets, children or where they were traveling to on their bikes. Yep, you guessed it, they were all looking down on their smartphones, connected to whatever was so important to them that they couldn’t enjoy a beautiful day of exercise, fun and family time. I had to laugh, although it was really sad. Even some of the bikers I spotted were on their smart phones, and that was just plain dumb!
I have a very dear friend named Robin who has a rule of no phones at the table when we are having dinner together, and if you try to check messages you get a scowl from her. (I know because I did it once, but only once!). But I get it. We should really be in the moment. Enjoy the little time in our crazy, busy lives that we can communicate one-on-one, in person with the people and pets we really care about!
I also know a group of folks that go out to dinner regularly and all of them put their cell phones in the middle of the table. The first one who uses their phone during dinner, pays the bill……..great idea actually!
So here is my challenge to you. Put your smart phones away for a while every day, yes disconnect, as hard as that may sound. Try it for just an hour a day! Many people say their smart phones stress them out more then keep them connected. I don’t think the world will actually come to an end if you stop and relax for a while and truly smell the roses.
Make it a great day!