To me it was no big deal, but based on the reactions I’ve received so far, you’d think I’d committed matricide. “You what?” “How could you possibly live without your phone?”
I’m living, and living just fine, thanks. I got rid of something I didn’t need – we do that all the time. Spoiled food, stained t-shirts, toxic relationships. I ditched a device that I rarely used but still paid about a hundred bucks a month to keep. Kind of like cable.
When I’m home (most of the time, writing my next novel), I have access to a land line (even though I hate answering or talking on the phone), Facebook messenger, and email. Friends can find me. When I’m at work (usually a couple of days a week), I’m…working! Yeah, no time for the phone. I bring my iPad with me and check messages and posts during lunchtime.
But…but…what about taking pictures of your food when you’re in a restaurant? What about checking in when you’re at the beach, or a concert, just to let everyone know where you are? Did it. Don’t do it anymore. Realized most people don’t care anyway, especially if they’re not having as good a time as you are.
I may pick up another phone later this year – look, I’m not against them, and I stay well connected online. If I find I need a cell phone, I’ll get one, probably a low-end model. It’s all about choices, and for now, I’m delighted with this one.
Okay, have at me! Or better yet – tell me what you’ve given up recently.
Martha Reynolds Writes 
Isn’t it crazy the anxiety we feel when we’re not attached to those stupid things? Ridiculous! I enjoy a little downtime to unplug. Good for the soul. 🙂
LikeLike
Good for you, Martha!! Phones and constant access to social media can be quite addictive and I’ve imposed some rules upon myself for just that reason. It’s not very healthy 😦
LikeLike
Thanks, Meri. You’re right, it’s not healthy to be constantly connected. This is just one small step that works for me. I know it’s impossible for some to be without their phones. 😉
LikeLike
Great Job M!! I get all those excited comments when I tell people I don’t have cable and I don’t have regular TV. I do download Movies. Regardless, people are also shocked to learn I don’t carry my phone 24-7. People are shocked to find we’ve gone off the grid………..WHAT….we lived most of our lives off the grid….and that’s OK!
LikeLike
The more I learn about cell-phone spying, the better I feel about this decision. Not missing it at all…
LikeLike
Great stuff, Martha. I ditched my fancy phone almost 2 years ago and don’t regret it for a moment. I hate how phones have taken over everyone’s lives. The minute peeps sit down in a restaurant or bar or cafe, out come the phones. How rude! why can’t people just connect with the people that they are in company with? I’d really like to wean myself off Facebook too but that may take some sort of program like AA or WW which I could probably do with signing myself up for anyway 😉 xox
LikeLike
Please don’t leave Facebook, Lottie – I’d miss you too much! 💗
LikeLike
I only turn the cell phone on when I am away from the house. And then it has my landline forwarded to it in case my kids need to reach me. When I remember to turn it on. I am always chucking out stuff I no longer use.
LikeLike
I had a lot of telemarketers calling. I’d started a small business five years ago and listed that number. Apparently it was sold.
LikeLike
I managed without a mobile phone for decades, and could again, but……
I don’t use it to phone much but it’s my diary, notebook and so much more. If I gave it up I’d have to start carrying round loads of paper again. I’ll stick with it!
LikeLike
And there you go. It’s a calendar, an address book, a scheduler. Thanks.
LikeLike
Exactly! All in one miraculous little package.
LikeLike
Wish I could but Facetiming with my grands is priority one!!! I, more addicted to them then the phone but the phone is a means to an end!!!
Also a cool phone makes me cool in their eyes…….yup I’m that kind of grandparent …lol.
LikeLike
I understand, Laurea. And you really are a cool grandma!
LikeLike
We haven’t really gotten rid of anything, except a lot of attic clutter–yay! But, we don’t have a TV up here at the lake.We read or visit with friends or go down to sit by the water or I work or write…plenty to keep us busy without the cacophony of television. Good for you, Martha!
LikeLike
Thanks, Nan. I love it when the TV is off!
LikeLike
Way to go! What have I given up recently? A few toxic people and a LOT of clutter (moved to a new house and threw or gave away a ton of stuff in the process). It’s been marvelous.
LikeLike
Moving is one of the best ways to get rid of stuff! I’m hoping to do that this summer, even though we’re not moving 😉
LikeLike
good for you. It’s always good to move away from our crazy consumer society. I do have a cell phone, when I realized I could get a smart phone with tracfone – that is, paying between $5-$10 a month! About 5 years ago, we got rid of our TV. We spend so much time reading, that anyway TV was not important. we still have an old TV set, we use only to watch DVDs from our amazing local public library
LikeLike
Yes! Thank you. It’s wonderful to realize you don’t have to have what everyone else has.
LikeLiked by 1 person