Things I’ve Learned During my 21st Century Blackout.

I am the first to tell you that I am the most ham-fisted, clumsy individual in the world. There is an infamous scale in my family where they describe something as ‘Kirsty-friendly’ as a level up from ‘child safe/friendly’. I'm 26. I proved that theory recently as I managed to drop my phone by holding onto it tighter. I know. I did this outside, on my driveway when I was in a rush, naturally. Not only did it hit the ground, it bounced twice and landed face down on the stones. Had it only fallen once, it was fine. The bounce onto it’s face was the final straw. Shattered but alive, it soldiered on for a few days until it completely died when I was halfway through replying to a text from my future mother-in-law. Great.

 

I write this the night before I get my phone back, and I'm ashamed to say it’s been the longest few days without it. I would never have said I particularly relied on my phone that much, but enjoyed the security and comfort of knowing it was there if I needed it. 

However, this week has taught me otherwise.

There was no colossal moment where I thought the world would end if I didn’t have my phone surgically attached to me, but there were so many little moments where I would have used my phone to research, count, send a message, keep a note, take a photo or double check something which all required the use of my phone, as I was almost always out and about when I needed to do these small things. This period has truly shown me how often I use my phone and how much I do rely on it.

The most interesting part of this ‘experience’ was how much I missed out on as a result of my technological tunnel vision. I was able to think far more clearly without the constant buzz of music or the urge to check my Instagram or Pinterest for the 100^th time. Considering I'm starting as a teacher in August and planning a wedding, this was a welcome change.

I also became more active. I walked home from dropping my car at the garage (I know, I’m on a modern day desert island!), as it was a beautiful day. I had a lovely walk in the sun and as I wasn’t listening to music, I was able to hear the buzz of my environment. The wind blowing the trees, cars, birds, children, running water. It was glorious. In hindsight, I’ve walked far more in general, as things that don’t actually matter didn’t distract me from wanting to walk around my area and enjoy the simple pleasures.

It is at this point that I feel like I need to add a disclaimer that I'm not suggesting I'm going to start some tree-hugging, yoga fuelled lifestyle, because I'm not. I am, however, finishing this blether of a blog post by encouraging you to try it. For a week, a day, even half a day! It really did make a difference. It shows how much I used my phone, and how productive I was without it – the opposite conclusion to what I’d imagined.

Have you ever tried your own ‘blackout’? Would you try it? Let me know in the comments below!

‘til next time,

Kirsty x