Each morning when I wake up and every night before I go to sleep, I check my computer and my phone. It is almost automatic and I don't even realize that I am doing it.
I check to see if I have any messages on my phone and then I check my computer to see what I need to get done. I continue to turn on my newest Netflix series, browse through social media, or type out an essay for one of my classes.
A couple of days ago, I pulled a classic "Audrey Move" and poured water on my laptop. I wasn't surprised that upon taking it to the Apple Store, my computer was "no más."
The first thing to come to mind was the price of fixing the damage. However, I noticed in a few short hours how much I relied on my device to organize my days, save important information, provide me answers to my everyday questions, and satisfy my need for entertainment.
I found that my phone was decreasing in power much more quickly than normal as I attempted to use it to compensate for my computer use.
With this being said, I have recently had an unsettling awakening to a hard truth. My life is in many ways, controlled and reliant on a piece of metal.
When making this statement, I start to go into denial even though I know this to be the case.
Although it is a horrible thing that I spilled water on my computer, I can't deny that it is providing me a fair amount of clarity. The reality is, my knowledge, my activities, and my entertainment sources should not be limited to my technological devices.
I miss reading books, journaling on paper, going on frequent runs, going to movie theaters, and having the serenity of disconnecting from the outside world at times.
No, I don't want to give up my technology and I would be a hypocrite to say I did. However, while writing out this article on a piece of notebook paper, I am finding that there is a certain appreciation I have for taking the harder, more time-consuming routes while processing my thoughts.
I am learning that when I can access any movie at a click of a button normally I don't think anything of it. Now that I can't turn on my Netflix and have to write my article with pen and paper, I can see that the instant gratification I receive with my technology can be detrimental.
This facilitation is hindering my ability to have an appreciation towards the simple luxuries I am blessed with each day that I often take for granted.
Hopefully, this minor setback will give me an opportunity to come back more appreciative of the help technology provides me on a regular basis. This technology cleanses may be just what is needed to practice being more self-reliant than technologically reliant.
