Disconnect to Reconnect with Julie Hays
Disconnect to Reconnect
In 2024, I want to put my phone down more. Sounds like a simple goal but if it was that easy half of Americans wouldn’t admit they have a phone problem.
Just look around. In restaurants. At family gatherings. At work. At home. In groups and alone. We are all sitting around lost in devices, and I’m not judging. I’m just as guilty, but as we enter a new year, I want less screen time.
We all have our reasons or maybe it’s excuses. For me, it’s that the news never stops. There’s always an email to send, a text to return, a story to break or a lead on social media to follow. What starts with good intentions turns into hours of getting lost in videos, stories, pictures and statuses that have nothing to do with me. Or, more importantly, my family.
Raising three young kids, I’ve grown to appreciate that time is a gift and that the saying “don’t blink” couldn’t be truer. Since I can’t bottle it up, I want to maximize my time in the best ways possible, and I’m confident it’s not on my phone.
My oldest child is about to be a teenager, and I know she’s watching. I want to set an example for my kids about the big responsibilities that come from such a small device. It’s a constant balancing act.
Everything about phones isn’t bad. They have lots of features that enhance our daily lives. Things like knowing where family is at all times, keeping up with friends and family on social media, and professionally it’s made work on the go so much easier.
It is a way to feel connected, yet in many ways I’ve never felt more disconnected. Disconnected from good old fashioned quality time. Disconnected from an actual conversation with friends that I’ve replaced with quick text messages or comments online. And disconnected at times from my kids and husband who have to ask me a question twice because they can tell I’m distracted by the tiny screen in front of me.
So, here’s to more quiet time in the new year. Here’s to silencing notifications and setting boundaries. And here’s to disconnecting with my phone so that I can reconnect with those I love the most throughout 2024.
If you loved this list, make sure you snag our free PDF: The go-to guide for everything WACO, Texas! By Modern Texas living, Waco’s biggest fan!
We are a Lifestyle Magazine & Marketing Agency in Waco, Texas, focused on building
growth strategies for established businesses and emerging brands. In print and online,
Modern Texas Living Magazine celebrates small businesses, supports local
entrepreneurs, and helps readers enjoy the community to its fullest. Pick up a copy of
the latest edition of Modern Texas Living here!
From crafting powerful websites to helping companies properly brand themselves to
align sales and marketing, we are the engine that drives you to success. If you’re a local
business and would like to be featured click here!
