How about going "1995" for the day?

I was emailing with a friend and we were talking about 'back in the day' before iPhones and mobiles.  It was a simpler life.  One where you were not continually concerned about what others were doing or had the feeling you were missing out on information.  If you wanted to see how someone was doing, you called or you arranged to meet up.  You made an appointment at a time and place and you stuck to it (Saturday 1pm at One Up) and we actually had to print out photos to share them.

Another friend sent me this awesome link - Gavin 'Cloud Appreciation Society' Pretor-Pinney's TED talk, which highlights how the digital world conspires to make us feel perpetually busy.  Answering emails, updating your facebook status, twitter feeds, uploading Instagram pics etc. and how cloud spotting (of all things) legitimizes doing nothing, and sometimes we need excuses to do nothing.

We have to remember to slow down, be in the present and let your imagination flow.  It's good for your soul and the way you feel ;)


So, my challenge, if you choose to accept it, is to go "1995" for the day.  All you have to do is 1 of 2 things:

1.   If you are having a "house" day, turn your phone off (yes, off) and put it in a drawer (out of sight)
or
2.   If you are out and about, leave your phone at home


*Warning* this may result in some, or all, of the following:

• Time
• Feelings of liberation and freedom
• Inspiration to try something new or do something you haven't done in a while
• The ability to 'stop and smell the roses' and appreciate things you haven't noticed recently (like the aforementioned clouds)
• Happiness
• Good (crazy, or fun) ideas
• Being creative 

As Gavin, from the Cloud Appreciation Society, says in his TED talk, "Always remember to live life with your head in the clouds."

Now I'm off to the gym.  No, not to do some jogging, squats or pull ups, which I would like to do (don't worry Dr I'm listening :) but to accompany (read: shout at / support) Mr V in the gym and then enjoy a mountain of sushi, sans phone.  How about you? :)