Are you numbing out?

Recently, I realized that I’ve fallen into the habit a lot of us have. It looks different for everyone but it serves a similar purpose in my book. It creeps in without me even noticing. The reasons are usually the following, I have to do this for work, it’s how I keep in touch, I’ve got some down time, what if there’s an emergency..etc.

I’m sure you know by now, I’m talking about my phone and in all honesty, I’m typing this blog post on it now. The unfortunate part is it’s not only the phone, it’s the computer and the tv as well. When I don’t get away from it, I feel blah and yet what do I do…I reach for it.

If you think about it, it’s really not different in many ways to other forms of addiction. It’s just less judged and more socially acceptable. Now, believe me, i understand the devastation and turmoil that alcohol and drug addiction bring to one’s life. But, is it not serving a similar purpose? Helping someone to numb out?!

Please, don’t hate me if you disagree. These are my Saturday morning thoughts with my cup of green tea I’m trying to replace for my coffee. Small steps.

But, my point is, at the core what do all of these things have in common? They get us out of our bodies and distracted. They allow us to tap out of feeling whatever is going on and focus on someone or something else. And what does that do? In my opinion, it allows us to continue to ignore how we feel, And how we choose to spend our time here on this earth. 🌍 I mean, like it or not..or time is limited.

So what is the point of even bringing this up you ask? Well, I’m challenging myself to step back and I guess I’m challenging you too. Take a step back and ask yourself how often you are present with you? With family and friends. Do you go for a walk without the headphones ever? Do you wake up and reach for your phone? Tv 📺 always on? Why stand in the elevator in silence when your phone 📱 is right there?

Every time we distract ourselves from ourselves, we step further away from who we are (in my opinion). It’s easy to stay on the same track when we are distracted, busy and staying with the hustle and bustle that is already this life often times. A quick meal on the go and TikTok binge can probably help you not notice how heavy whatever you ate actually was. This has been a big one for me. And, I still find myself here often.

So, I’m challenging myself to reach less for the phone. To put some boundaries on my distracted time. This way I can remember how it feels to be in my body, present with myself. This way I can feel if my stomach hurts, my shoulders are tense, have I been shoving my emotions down and is my hip or neck paying for it?

Small steps. Maybe tomorrow I’ll start the morning with my tea instead of coffee and I will resist picking up the phone, even if it’s just for 5 more minutes.

Lots of love to everyone. I know this world can be difficult ❤️