Tuesday, October 13, 2015

life without a smartphone, an update


I'm still chugging along without my smartphone over here. Actually, I wouldn't describe it that way. Thriving without my smartphone is a better way to put it. I kind of feel like I've discovered the secret to living a more fulfilling life. Are you ready for it? Be less connected to social media! At least that's what is working for me. I've always been a homebody and I am really good at living in my own little bubble, but this is taking it to another level. I feel like I'm even less accessible to the world now and I love it. Another plus is that I have more time on my hands. I still check Instagram on our mini iPad, but I check it much less often. I've become more deliberate with how I spend my time online, and that has made such a difference. No more mindlessly scrolling. I am more content, more involved in what is happening in my home, and less hurried. Honestly, I haven't come across one negative since I made the switch.

Something that I really love is that our life is now being documented with high-resolution digital photos instead of blurry, low-def cell snaps. Like this one of me and Elliot in our matching navies before church on Sunday. If I'd had a smartphone, I probably would have posted this photo on Instagram (and then checked it a million times to see who liked it). But you know what? No one cares if Elliot and I were matching on Sunday except me! So, posting it to a social media account felt pretty silly once I thought about it.

If you are tempted to give up your smartphone, even the tiniest bit, I say go for it. You can always switch back if you need to. I don't think you'll regret giving it a try.

My friend, Danyelle, sent me this great article: Why your teenager might be happier without a smartphone. It's worth a read, and the title could very easily be changed to "Why YOU might be happier without a smartphone".

What do you think?

13 comments:

  1. Yes yes yes. You know my feelings on this! :) Yay.

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  2. You might like this article too!

    http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/09/27/opinion/sunday/stop-googling-lets-talk.html?_r=3

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  3. Love this! You are giving me more courage to re-join the "dumb phone" crowd. My one question--I use coupons on my phone all the time when I am out shopping. Have you missed that aspect of a smart phone? I suppose I would have to be more prepared ahead of time and print my coupons (gasp)!!

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    1. There has been a time or two where I wished I could get a coupon at Joann's, but it wasn't a big deal. I try to print one online ahead of time. Or I just pay full price for my spool of thread or zipper or whatever. :)

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  4. Anonymous11:02 AM

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  5. Anonymous11:04 AM

    Hi Stephanie
    After reading the post of when you initially gave it up, I thought OH that is a great idea! However, I was thinking on the level of FB! I really want to be a social media person, but I really don't! lol! I think after reading your update post I now am going to delete my FB account and work on maybe switching my smart phone..... :-) Thanks for the inspiration!
    Stacie

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  6. don't have a smartphone anduse the phone I have for emergencies. I like it that way. Love reading your blog eventhough I don't always comment. Darling picture of you and Elliot. Love you both

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  7. I have thought about ditching my smart phone too, and when I read your previous post I REALLY thought about it. But we don't have a camera OR a home phone, so I have waited. I am still considering it, though, especially since my husband has stopped using instagram (I like him to see what I post). I am not sure I want to buy a camera, though, because I am not a good photographer. Hm.

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  8. Your post also piqued my interest! My one and final concern (I think) is navigation--I'm not sure I would survive a pretty hectic schedule without being able to get directions off my phone?? Have you found that to be hard or have you found a way around it?

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  9. And...did you make your dress?? What pattern did you use? I wish you posted more about your sewing adventures :)

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  11. very interesting post.this is my first time visit here.i found so mmany interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion..thanks for the post! cell phone deals

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  12. Thanks for sharing the post.. parents are worlds best person in each lives of individual..they need or must succeed to sustain needs of the family.
    Smartphone

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