I know this may seem hypocritical since you are most likely reading this from your cellphone (thank you for that) but I think it is something that we all need to do a little more of on a daily basis. Phones have quite simply taken over our lives. Plain and simple. We can work from our phones, order food from our phones, interact with people from our phones; ALL without human contact. I don’t know about any of you, but that is wild to me. We are so engrossed in our phones; I fear we (me included) are missing out on a key part of life: actually living in the moment.

I know it is unrealistic to say that we shouldn’t use our phones, because they are a monumental step in technology that has given us so many incredible opportunities. Whether that be reuniting with relatives across the country, creating new job opportunities, or simply keeping everyone up to date with current events, phones have become vital. Not to mention you get to keep up with your fav celebs on social media (my personal favorite use for my phone).

Lately though, I have started realizing that while we are doing so many fun things, most of the time we are watching it through our phone screen while recording it. We spend more time focusing on whether we get the perfect video so our friends/people we want to make jealous are sure to see it. We are rarely ever “living in the moment” which is such a cliché but it is more true now than ever. That is why my new year’s resolution was to simply stop videotaping my entire life. It may sound harsh, but no one really cares THAT much what you are doing, and the people that do care will either be with you or ask you after how it was.

I know we need phones to stay in contact with people and that is totally great (I’ll keep my phone on mom I promise)! However, for the rest of the time I think we should make the effort to really be there when you’re out somewhere or doing something. Be in the moment instead of videotaping the moment. I’ll admit, it isn’t that easy. The minute something cool happens or I am at a very “Instagram worthy” location, I want to immediately pull out my phone. Since I decided to make the conscious effort to put my phone down, I have truly found a new happiness and joy for what I am doing. That sounded so cheesy, I know, but it is true. If you don’t believe me, try it for yourself.

I’ll leave you with my favorite quote and one I live my daily life trying to fulfill; “wherever you are, be all there.”