What switch is that?

The heavily contemplated switch of going back to a simpler time. A time where there were fewer notifications, fewer interruptions to the day. A time where calling really was easier.

The time of the flip phone.

Now, I am not sure this would qualify as “living naturally,” but I can tell you that making the switch back to a flip phone was one of the best decisions I have made. Especially as a busy mama.

I went back to a flip phone for a couple reasons.

1. I was on my smart phone so much. I wasn’t present with my kids. I would miss out on precious moments because I was scrolling, checking emails, online shopping, etc.
2. My personality was changing. I quite literally became a different person when I got off my phone and unplugged.

My family is going through a stressful season. I found I was using my phone to escape from the pressure of my day. When I came out of the online world, I left a piece of my brain and my ability to cope with stress on that screen.

I was filled with anxiety, and a tension in my shoulders that just really makes me uncomfortable. And like a wounded animal, I would snap at my kids. For little inconveniences, whiny tones. I was just plain unkind.

Convicted, I knew I needed to make a change somewhere. I just didn’t know where. Until I was told that I was using my phone to escape. What a truth.

Online, no one wants anything from me. I can scroll without being asked anything. I can like content or scroll past things that I don’t like or agree with. I can’t do that in my real life. I am a mom. I have four little souls to care for. To nurture, to train. If I was escaping into my virtual world…who was leading them in the real world?

I decided to make a change and go back to the flip phone. All it has is messaging, calls, basic phone things like a calculator and clock. I can’t even use my email on it. When I got it, I had to show the guys at the store how to turn it on. I showed my age that day for sure.

What I discovered though was fascinating. I started to feel better. I turned off my smartphone for the first time in 2 years. I used that thing for everything. Alarm, email, texting, calling, snapchat, and so much more. The first night with the flip phone was so bizarre. I turned off the smartphone, put it in a drawer. I didn’t look at my phone for the rest of the night. The freedom that brought. I never realized how much I really was chained to that brick of a phone.

I still use the smartphone for a few things like maps, this blog, and social media. I try to keep most of my online work on my laptop, and when my kids are not up.

I want to be there for them, not behind a screen half listening to them.

So here is to a new season. A season of being intentional, less distracted with the pings and notification sounds filling my ears. I want my ears to be filled with my kids’ laughter, questions, and yes – even their whining. Because it means I have meaning, purpose and fulfillment. Something a smartphone can never bring.