I didn't open a snap, tweet about what I was doing, upload photos to Instagram, or reply to a text for four days. I didn't even have the ability to keep track of time. Honestly, I couldn't imagine sacrificing something that substitutes as a safety net when I am in an unfamiliar place. I had a hard time not holding my six ounce iPhone in my right hand and wearing my watch on my left wrist. But by the end of those four days, I didn't miss it at all.
When I didn't have my phone, I gazed out into the distance and noticed the sun setting on the horizon with my own eyes, not through a camera lens.
When I didn't have my phone, I actually swam in the body of water in front of me instead of posing for a photo with my friends to document our "adventure."
When I didn't have my phone, I learned how to communicate with strangers. I ended up remembering more than just their first name.
When I didn't have my phone, I felt liberated.
When I didn't have my phone, I discovered intimacy. I reached the realization that I don't need to update everyone in my life with what I am doing. Instead, I need to cherish the moment I am in with the people I am spending it with.
When I didn't have my phone, I spent less time in the bathroom. Let's be honest, we all catch ourselves doing our business and then sitting there for an extra five-ish minutes on our phone. Instead of wasting time in a restroom, I spent it outside surrounded by the beauty of our country.
When I didn't have my phone, I took risks. I stepped out of my comfort zone more than once; whether I assumed a challenging task or started up a conversation with someone I've never talked to.
When I didn't have my phone, I was completely unaware of the time, which ultimately granted me a newfound sense of freedom.
In 2016, society is so wrapped up in telling others what they are doing, or who they are doing it with, the moment they decide to do whatever 'it' is. Instead of embracing and enjoying the moment, we publicize it. However, when we focus on publicizing all of our experiences, we lose sight of the experience itself. By the end of my phone-less four days, I walked away wishing no one ever introduced to me social media, or cell phones in the first place. Now, I understand that wish is unrealistic in our fast-paced, modern society, so let me rephrase that last sentence: I wish that everyone would take the time to disconnect from the world around them and go explore places that electronics can't take you.
