12/10/2023
This is something I wrote about 10 years ago. It still applies today.
Family Values
Todays world is the same. Todays world is different. We still have four seasons, and even though time seems to be flying by, it still is one minute at a time, one MOMENT at a time.
We all come into this world the same way, we don’t all go out the same. A lot is determined by lifestyle, stress level, genetics and habits.
The reason I write this article is to stress my concern about technology and its effects both negative and positive on our lives. Don’t get me wrong, I love technology and how it enhances all that we do. Whether it be not carrying an appointment book around with you, or being able to communicate by the click of a button. How about the luxury of being able to face time a loved one 2000 miles away? Sending a note via email, instead of waiting for the dreaded snail mail. Taking beautiful photos, and sending them instantly to friends and family. How about connecting with long lost friends on Facebook. AMAZING!
With all of these conveniences, it has created a not so pleasant trend.
Family values or lack there of has become a lost art. I have witnessed in our place of business, a mother and daughter sitting on the couch in the waiting room waiting for appointments. Both on a device not speaking to one another. It makes me sad, because I have seen it in my own family.
To me the phone has become a lifeline for kids, and adults alike. Lets be honest, have you ever forgot your phone at home? Did you turn around and get it?
Do you ever go on walks with your phone? What is the purpose of this? Is it for emergencies? Did people go on walks before cell phones were created? Of course they did, and trust me if there was an emergency of you falling and you couldn’t get up, there would be someone close by carrying their phone.. Maybe you feel you need it in case you need to get a hold of your kids, or they need to get a hold of you. Believe me, the times that I have brought my phone on a walk, the only call I would get from my kids was, “whats for dinner Try going on a walk without it, look at the birds, listen to the breeze, engage with the person next to you.
Do you check your phone when you are on a date with your wife or husband? What does that tell that other person? Your not interesting enough to keep my attention. I may be being a little harsh.” Think about this, if you are in your late thirties to early forties, your parents would go out for the night and you would see them when they got home. If as a kid there was a situation, we figured it out. For a lot of us it is hard to remember life without phones. Next date night leave your phone in the car. You will need to check your anxiety level when you do this. It will be hard at first, but it will succumb to feeling of peace.
Have you ever texted while driving? Ok, how about when your’e sitting at a stoplight? Do these questions make you uncomfortable? If they do you have a a case of MYPHONEIZIT.
A condition that creates separation anxiety when your phone isn’t with you.
No, this isn’t really a real word or condition, although the definition is real to a lot of us. �Today people are more engaged with their phones, then they are with the person sitting next to them. People don't even break up in person anymore! By no means am I saying lose your phone, although I am saying don’t lose yourself. Give someone a hug, not an EMOJI hug. TELL, don't text someone you love them. Play in the leaves with your kids, Cheer at your child’s game, without your phone.
When that is finished, check your email…….
