Weigh the Cost of Always being Connected

Have you noticed lately when you are standing in line or sitting in a restaurant how so many around you are plugged into their so-called Smartphones? No, you probably didn't. Because you were plugged into yours as well. I am no different. I just can't help myself. I tell myself that it is all business consuming and that I need to respond promptly to my clients or potential clients in order that I provide them with the most prompt level of service. However I notice that most of the time I am not answering client's emails, I am doing other stuff.

The smartphones can be a wonderful tool but I think a huge distraction at the same time.....again I am one of the biggest culprits in this tragedy. Sitting at dinner with my wife we seem to forget about face to face conversation and are busy responding to something on our phones. We had a waitress come over and say, "aren't you both so cute." Really we aren't. We are pathetic. We have had to force ourselves to put the phones down and share with each other about our day.

In the morning, "What does your day look like today?" And my response: "I don't know, aren't you synced into my calendar?" Or maybe, " What did you do today? Or "How was your day?" Again the digital minded response: "Didn't you see my Yelp, Facebook, Instagram, linkedIn posts today? It tells the whole story of my day." Even my Runkeeper has posted how far I went this morning.....so you will know how tired I am. Pathetic!

We are so dependent on these gadgets that we have forgotten about interaction. Interaction with others or even interaction with our surroundings. We are too busy posting about what we say or what we think or responding to someone else's senseless post that we forget to live our lives. Yes, Yes, Yes I am a prime suspect. Again I do not deny. But really, does anyone really care where I went to eat for lunch?

There is this location that we have been camping at near Crabtree Falls that has absolutely no connection to phone or Internet service. Yes I went crazy! But after I got used to it I was able to actually really enjoy the nature surrounding me. I was able to see the trees and the stream that flowed past the camp site. Wow, what have I been missing? Too much, that is what.

Even worse, we I go for a walk with my wife I feel that I need to hurry up and get back before I MISS SOMETHING. Really? What might I miss other than some really good together time with my wife.

I write notes in my iPad instead of my old fashion journals. I sketch in autocadd on the computer instead of doodles on trace paper or napkins. I take pictures with my phone instead of whipping out a neat little sketch. I miss my journals! I think I need to force myself to go back in time and pick up a pen....not a stylus.

Remember my friends to unplug from time to time and spend that time with your loved ones. Yes, I am talking to myself.

D. Eugene Thompson

ET This I Believe