She Strengthens

A Week Without My Phone: Unplugging and Rediscovering Myself

It was a typical Friday evening when disaster struck. I hailed a cab, grabbed my Shake Shack order, gym bag, and tote, but left my phone behind. The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. My trusty Android, my constant companion for over two years, was gone.

The Initial Panic

I cursed my carelessness, imagining my phone bouncing around in the backseat of the yellow taxi. But then I remembered I had the receipt, which I needed to expense the cab ride for work. With the receipt in hand, I called 3-1-1, NYC’s non-emergency services hotline, and got the number of my taxi driver’s garage in Queens. Unfortunately, the driver didn’t have my phone, and I had to purchase a new one.

The Silver Lining

As I waited for my new iPhone 11 to arrive, I tried to focus on the positives. My old phone was starting to freeze randomly, so maybe this was an opportunity to upgrade. But as the days went by, I realized just how much I relied on my phone. It was my morning alarm, my news source, my navigation system, and my wallet.

The Vulnerability of My Data

Without access to my apps, my daily routine was turned upside down. I was also anxious about the security of my personal information. I took the opportunity to change my passwords and freeze certain accounts, but it was a tedious process. This experience made me want to maintain a degree of financial separation with my new phone.

The Isolation of Being Disconnected

Without a smartphone, my world felt smaller. I watched as everyone around me stayed connected, while I was left feeling awkwardly disconnected. I normally use my phone to catch up on social media and news during my daily commute, but suddenly I had to find other ways to occupy my time. At first, it was unsettling, but eventually, I appreciated the quiet and the chance to reclaim my time.

Rediscovering Myself

During this week, I found myself exploring my neighborhood more, popping into bookstores, and taking the long route home. I even started using email to communicate with friends and family, which was a refreshing change from the constant stream of texts. Without notifications and distractions, my mind was free to wander, and I felt more present and refreshed.

Lessons Learned

While I was grateful to have my new phone back after seven days, I realized that I didn’t need to be constantly connected. I set boundaries on my phone use, reducing notifications and scheduling “airplane mode” times when I needed to focus. I learned that I can live without a phone, but I don’t have to. There’s a world beyond my device, and it’s up to me to find a balance between the two.