So the lady being pointed out is the one individual without a cell phone who is enjoying the moment rather than recording it. I felt a little bit like this when we went to our first Luau in Maui. I just wanted to enjoy the show. However as I looked around 95% of the audience had their selfie sticks, iPads, and cameras out. A person at our table had an iPad and didn't bother to turn the flash off, so every time they took a photo the entire table lit up! Are we ruining our own entertainment? Don't get me wrong I like to take pictures too but this seemed a bit too much. And lets be real are you really going to print these photos from this show? I noticed one of the many photos people were taking were terrible, dark & fuzzy. Another guy took a bad photo then spent 5 minutes trying to fix it by editing. Hey guy you just missed the last incredible dance the performers did, but hope you fix that crappy photo you can look at next week!
We had an amazing vacation and I decided to try something new. I didn't post on Facebook the whole week, because I know how I am. I'll want to see what people said and how many people liked my photo. So instead I decided to do a shared photo album. At the end of the week I posted the album so everyone could see all the photos I had taken. It really helped me enjoy the moments I was in. I snorkeled with my son and pilot and didn't take any photos. We held hands while swimming around, my heart was so full being together with my family and doing something incredible together. We zip lined and I didn't take any photos. I left my phone in the car. Our guides were hilarious and my stomach definitely hurt by the end because I was laughing almost the whole time. The smiles on my family's face was something I didn't want to miss. The best part is the zip lining company took photos for us and I was able to purchase them before we left on a CD. Spending a week together and being disconnected was wonderful. My son is 9 and I'm not sure how much longer we are going to be the cool parents. So now is the time to enjoy each smile, each hug, each moment he tells us we are the best.
Next time you pick up the phone to record or take a picture, is it something you'd enjoy more without that photo or recording?
I heard something really interesting - that we spend more time trying to capture, record and share the moment than we do actually enjoying the moment. I spent most of Sunday unplugged from just my cellphone and it was oddly freeing. Not answering text messages or constantly checking my phone. It's this strange addiction we've become accustomed to over time. I realized I was far less stressed and anxious because I didn't have to tell people no (if they wanted to make plans) or worry that I didn't respond fast enough (want to be there for everyone!). I'm going to try to make it a weekly routine, and eventually fully unplug from electronics one day a week.
ReplyDeleteI need to do the same thing. Its hard at first but once you get used to it you truly appreciate the moment you are in. Not sure when I lost that but I want to get back to where I wasn't so dependent on my phone.
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