Phones. Always in our pockets. Always going off. Always distracting us from the real world. Well, I’ve had enough. For six days, I got rid of the distractions. I put a book in my pocket instead of a phone. I tried to live in the real world. No television, no videogames. Unfortunately, computer use was inevitable for both DMACC and ADM coursework. But other than that exception, I was screen-free. And I journaled the experience, not with a notes app but with a notebook and a pencil. This is that journal.
Sunday
9:31 p.m. Day one is almost over. I can hardly believe it. This is probably the first day I haven’t used my phone since . . . 2020? The day started off hard. I had never realized how much my ‘morning scroll’ had become habit until I didn’t have it. Instead, I stared at the wall for twenty minutes. Later, I ran some errands while listening not to Spotify, but to ‘103.3: The Bus.’ I folded my laundry and read the LEGO catalog later.
Before Dinner, I went to Hanging Rock and painted a watercolor using the water of the river. I discussed football with my family over dinner, played a few hands of solitaire, then retired to my chambers.
I was definitely much more productive today than I might have been with social media. However, I was unable to spend time with my friends, as I could not contact them. I think today was the hardest day by far. But I enjoyed it.
Monday
3:43 p.m. English was difficult. I used an Encyclopedia in lieu of online exploration.
10:47 p.m. Today was very easy. Actually, school was kind of stressful. But the lack of tech was easy to deal with. Outside of school, I had activities (speech, scouts) that masked the difficulty of not having a phone. I felt more productive in my work today and more engaged in conversation. Because I had school, I didn’t miss talking to people as all, like I did yesterday.
Tuesday
10:22 p.m. This week looks a lot different than I anticipated. I thought it would get easier throughout the week. That as I got more used to the lack of my phone, it would be easier. Instead, it’s gotten harder as time’s went on. I predict a bell curve, where the middle of the week is rough but the end is easier. But, why was today so hard? Fort Dodge and stress.
For jazz we had a ninety minute bus ride to Fort Dodge. I read some, and spoke with my friends, but their phones reminded me of my own. Like a neglected child, my cell phone has laid in my bag for two days. I don’t even charge it at nights. As for stress, I normally let off some steam after school with texting or an entertaining YouTube video, but I had neither today. And the work is really piling up.
I’m beginning to feel the isolation. People have started asking if I saw what they sent, and my groupchats could have any amount of messages. But until Sunday, we will not know.
Today has really made me began to wonder-what did people do in their free time way back when? I’m reading, but is that all they did? They never invited a little background noise in? I miss Radiohead. Despite the claim by “100.3: The Bus” that they play everything, most of it isn’t what I might normally listen to. Maybe I’ll get lucky; they really do play quite a wide range of music.
Wednesday
5:10 p.m. This week is really starting to wear me down. I can do without social media just fine. But not texting my friends is hard. Once I got home, I realized that I wouldn’t hear another sound that isn’t me for an hour, until I go to church. Maybe it would have been easier if I allowed myself some TV or something. But I made my bed, so I’ll lay in it.
I was originally going to stay off my phone through Saturday, but I’m gonna call it after Friday. I’ve done enough time off of it, and I really miss Radiohead. So, two thirds of the way done!
10:33 p.m. I think I’ve gotten through the tremendously difficult part of this week. Today felt like a tipping point, like the rest should be easier. And perhaps a touch more meaningful. I’ve began to find peace in my life without a phone. I can make it through Friday. I’m sure of it now.
Thursday
8:50 p.m. Today just kind of happened. I hardly noticed that I was without a phone. I spent a lot of time at school, so that definitely contributes. Tomorrow is the last day! I’m so excited!
Friday
8:20 p.m. I’m in the home stretch now! My phone turns on at midnight. These last few days have been surprisingly easy, compared to the first half. Communication has been less of an issue as word made it’s way to more of my friends that I hadn’t my phone. I’m also quite fond of this pocket notebook. While I believe much of my life will return to the norm, I think I will continue to use this pocket notebook in place of my notes app.
Overall, this week has been filled with challenges and successes. I look forward to my life following this week, and am grateful for how transformative and insightful this week has been.
