Today, technology has become a prominent part of our lives. Everywhere you go, you'll find people glued to their devices, whether it be on public transportation, public events, or at home. I myself am no different. Wherever I am, I find myself constantly checking my phone, and using it whether or not anyone has actually contacted me or I have something else I really should be doing.

As I reflect on the role technology plays in my life, I can't help but wonder whether we all might be addicted to our devices, and wonder what causes it and how to stop it.

First, I recognize that technology greatly impacts my ability to live presently. I often find myself texting or scrolling through my Instagram feed when I am with other people. Why is it that being with the people I am with isn't enough?

The people we surround ourselves with deserve our full attention, which is why from now on, I will put my phone away when spending time with others.

Yet, many times when I have done this, I've looked around to find my friends all on their devices. It seems our desire for our screens is something we all share in common.

We all ought to have the common goal of truly being the people we are with and giving them our whole selves.

In thinking about how I use my phone when I am not with other people, I recognize the fact that much time is wasted by mindless scrolling or allowing myself to be distracted. Even when writing this article, I have picked up my phone quite a few times to answer a text.

It seems technology has decreased our attention spans, given us a way to prevent ourselves from doing our best work.

From now on, I will strive to put away my phone while completing tasks in order to put my best foot forward.

Technology has also affected my morning and nightly routines, and perhaps yours as well, readers.

I find myself grabbing my phone first thing in the morning and having it be the last thing I come into contact with at night. Are we meant to start and end our days on our devices?

Shouldn't we ground ourselves first, be connected within first, before turning to the outside world, and in the same way, take time to check back in with ourselves before we go to sleep?

These are just some other shifts I can see myself making in terms of technology.

Last week, I wrote an article about the power of doing things alone. I think our devices have given us a way to avoid spending time alone.

Like I mentioned earlier, we might find ourselves scrolling through Instagram or Facebook before we go to bed, rather than journaling or reading a book, or doing something else that connects us to our truest selves.

This is dangerous, because knowing how to do be alone is crucial.

I realize that I've brought up a lot of points about technology that paints it in a negative light. Don't get me wrong, I love technology, I love my phone and I will continue to take advantage of all it has to offer.

However, I simply want to recognize the fact that using technology mindfully can be to our greatest benefit.

Technology is naturally going to be a part of our lives, there's no avoiding it. Yet, when it comes down to it, we must not allow it to control how we live.

Use technology as a means to living a life of connection, laughter, and joy.

Do not let your screen be the reason you missed that great moment or didn't finish that assignment. You're so much greater than that, we all are.

Here's to claiming our right to live our best lives, screens included, yet recognizing that sometimes, it's best to keep looking up and around, aware of the world around us.

Talk soon,

Sam