Some readers may recall my recent column about my disdain for group texts. But sometimes I loathe my cell phone in general. Perhaps I’m not alone.
I met up with one of my grant consultant friends for coffee and tea in Carmel a couple of weeks ago. We had a great discussion and shared terrific ideas with one another. I love that we have a consultant group made up of members who support each other vs. see everyone else as competition. There’s plenty of work for all.
As I left the meeting and walked to the parking lot, I realized I had some texts and a chat message I needed to reply to. But something told me to wait until I got into my car. Safety first, you know. And I’m so glad I waited.
I looked up and saw a breathtaking sky. My jaw dropped. I paused that cold morning to admire the long wispy clouds that streaked across a background of bright blue.
Thank God I wasn’t looking at my phone, I thought. I would have missed this.
Our columnist was glad she wasn’t gazing at her phone weeks ago and instead saw this beautiful sight. (Photo provided by Amy Shankland)
It’s a bummer that so many of us feel like we must have a phone glued to our hips. I certainly do for my business. I’m always so relieved when I’m forced to part with it, such as when I go swimming. In fact, when a friend shared with me earlier this week that there are ear buds you can take into the water, I was mortified.
“Oh, no!” I exclaimed, “That’s the last thing I would want.”
Now, there are times when I am glad to have my phone. It has certainly made life easier. And I’m a curious person – it’s still amazing to me that, when I have a question, I can just pull out my phone and hop on Google to find an answer. Teenager Amy, who relied on encyclopedias, would have been thrilled.
And what did I do on that beautiful winter morning when I saw such a brilliant sky? I took a photo with my phone, which I’m sharing with you all today.
As the holidays approach, with one of them being New Year’s Eve, my mind turns to 2026 resolutions. One of them will be to not look at my phone as often as I do now. My first reason is for safety – I know lots of accidents happen due to people looking at their phones while driving, walking, or even riding a bicycle.
My second reason is that I simply want to enjoy life – real life. Not social media, website, Google, or any other internet-related thing. I want to soak in nature, good conversations with family and friends, books, walks with my dogs, and so much more.
Won’t you join me in 2026 and look up from your phone more often? I think you’ll see that this one act will bring you more joy than you ever imagined.
Amy Shankland is an empty-nester, writer, and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John and two dogs. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.