We have all been through that panic moment when you break your phone, and you're unable to be contacted for a period of time. For me, this was the first two weeks of my freshman year of college. At the time, it was the most dramatic, horrible thing that could happen to me. How was I going to make friends? How would I be able to meet up with friends? How would I get people’s Instagrams, Snapchats and their numbers? It was a complete disaster.

Now, looking back, I realize how amazing it was to not have a phone. During those first two weeks, my focus was on the present rather than on various other things. I realized that when I would sit down at dinner, with new faces, new friends, and new conversations, I was content and happy! It was strange to be the only one without a phone because I would look down and everyone was texting away. It was a way to actually get to know my friends rather than figuring them out by stalking their Instagrams, twitters and following their every move on Snapchat. Phones are amazing, and by all means it is so fun to update the social media world, but it does not need to be every second.

Also, we have all run into the moment where you're telling your best friend the funniest story, and midway through you stop and realize they’re not even remotely listening to you because they’re so invested elsewhere. It literally is a tug-o-war for attention, and this time, it is you versus the phone. However, my challenge is: for that dinner, for the girls night, for the little get together's, tuck the phone away! You can pull it out for a quick photo, but do not glue your eyes to the phone! You will find a sense of panic at first. You will literally think that you lost your phone because it is normally glued to your hand.

However, you will find you will have richer conversations and bigger smiles. And the best thing is, after this dinner, girls night or little get together you can still connect with the social media world! I think that in society today, it is important to realize what we have and what we can change. I’m not saying phones are bad and that you can not have true, genuine fun and good conversation if phones are there. Although, I do find that the vibe is better in the group if everyone is in the moment and engaging fully. Live in the moment!