If a month ago someone asked me if I thought I could go a whole month without my phone, I would have thought there was no way possible. I've never been addicted to my phone or had an issue going a short while without it, but a whole month seemed impossible. Little did I know that when I volunteered to work on Summer Staff at a Young Life camp for a month this summer, I would also be giving up my phone for the month. The only exception to this was once a week during our Sabbath, we got our phones back for a few hours. It turned out that this separation from my phone was a very refreshing thing, and I am grateful for having that separation forced upon me.

One thing that being away from my phone taught me is how many fewer issues I had to deal with. When I would get my phone back it was a treat, but at the same time, I sometimes wished I didn't get it back. The issues I ran into when having my phone were sometimes small, like confusions with my roommates, but sometimes they were larger. At one point when I got my phone back, I looked at a group message I was in and found out that one of my best friends at college may not be going to the same college anymore. That was such a bummer to read, but I just counted myself lucky to not have all these issues that distract me 24/7. Separation from my phone took these various problems going on back home and made them momentarily extinct.

Another thing that I learned by being away from my phone was how to truly enjoy the presence of those around you. Relationships are one thing that everyone desires, and it is nearly impossible to not make strong relationships with others when living in the same building as them for a month with nothing to distract you. Conversations run deeper and face-to-face contact is the only way to communicate. Also, without a phone, you aren't able to check social media and see what other friends are doing. Because of this, you are able to better enjoy what is happening around you rather than what you could be doing or what others are doing. Without a phone, it is so easy to enjoy the presence of those around you, and it makes you appreciate them more than you ever thought possible!

Being phone-free taught me how to be creative. It is so easy to go to your phone when you are bored, but there is so much more to do! I learned new card games instead of playing a game on my phone. I went on walks around the camp where I was working, and I checked in with the other people who were working to see if they needed anything. Being away from my phone taught me how to be creative with the small amount of spare time I had, and how to use that spare time in the best way possible.

Lastly, being away from my phone for almost one whole consecutive month taught me that I am more able to do things than I thought I was. I thought it would be extremely hard to give up my phone, but giving it up was one of the easiest things I did that whole month. It taught me how to rely on myself and my own strength in hardships, and how strong I really am. I found that I was able to climb 40 feet into the air and stand on a small platform in the trees every day without the encouragement of my parents or friends from back home. Lastly, I found that I was able to do anything I put my mind to, and I truly believe that if I had my phone, I would have given up much more and relied on others across the country to help me in whatever seemed impossible at the time.

As silly as it may sound, being away from my phone for a month was an amazing experience. Even if it is only for a day or a week, I strongly suggest that you challenge yourself to separate from your phone. I can guarantee you that you will find it to be a refreshing time with fewer worries and more confidence!