I Bought an Alarm Clock
Why would something so mundane warrant a blog post? I'll answer that question with a question: who uses an alarm clock anymore?
For years I have been using my smartphone as my alarm clock. For years one of the last things I do before going to sleep is get on my smartphone. For years one of the first things I have done in the morning after the alarm wakes me up is get on my smartphone. I don't want to do that anymore. I can't think of a single good reason why using a smartphone should be a part of my morning or evening routines at all.
Each morning, if I am intentional with my time, I can easily catch up on emails, texts, etc. after I pray, exercise, bathe, eat breakfast, and study the scriptures. Each evening, if I am intentional with my time, I can check my smartphone well before it's time to write in my journal, read a book, and pray.
In fact, aside from text messages, there are few reasons for me use my smartphone at all when I'm at home. I am going to make every effort to avoid doing so.
Smartphones are amazing because they allow us to do so much. But their versatility can also be a problem when not used intentionally. If you're looking for mindless distraction, a smartphone can provide a seemingly limitless amount of it. Years ago I vowed to never again install a game on my phone, but there are so many other ways to waste time.
So from now on, I will be leaving my smartphone in my home office at night. I've already been forwarding calls from it to my landline phone when I'm at home. I have wireless landline phones in my home office, kitchen, and family room, and wired phones in my bedroom and downstairs hallway, so I won't miss any emergency calls.
Only a landline phone and an alarm clock on my nightstand? What is this, the 90s?
I like the cheap little alarm clock I bought, by the way. Big numbers, back light optional, and battery-powered (3 rechargeable AAA). And it also shows the temperature! Fancy!
#100DaysToOffload (No. 21) #tech #intentionism