as the world passes us by

Ever get so caught up in something for so long that you don't even realize what time it is anymore? It's like you're holding your breath throughout the whole day and you don't even notice it...

This past weekend I made a true effort in leaving my phone and work behind me. A true effort to just breathe. If you know me at all, you know that this was a huge challenge because so much of my world involves my phone, but I put my mind to it. Minus the few emails I had to send/forward to my boss and the daily check-in texts with my family to let them know I was alive...I truly set my mind to enjoying the Cali weather, people, and scenery. I rarely checked Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The only app I really used on my phone was my camera, and even that was minimal...out of 5 days I only had about 25 pictures or so to share...not what the old me would have done at all. 

I bottle myself up so much on a daily basis - sitting in a stuffy office, driving with my windows up because it's so damn cold (still!), and even staying in bed on a random beautiful day because I'm "too tired" to get up and enjoy life. I hate that I do that, and I'm going to change it. Life is too short. 

You're probably thinking - "wow, there she goes with that emo-cliche type ish", but hey...you're only going to get out what you put in to something. 

I completely respect that so much of people's careers and work revolves around this new age world (in fact, I have to respect that - my job is all about it!), but ever think back to when people didn't know what you were eating or how it looked? Or when people had no idea how you felt about every little thing that happens hour by hour, minute by minute? I respect each and every one of my friends and their grind. I respect that they all show their beautiful faces to the world and share their careers, music, and pictures with me. I love it actually. It gives me something to look forward to. But all I'm saying is to set an equal amount of time aside to just breathe some fresh air, enjoy a conversation with someone next to you, and just simply not worry about anyone on the internet. 

I dare each of you to try to save your social media checks to when you're in bed at night, or in the waiting room at a doctor's office or whatever! I dare each of you to put your phone away in the car and actually enjoy a car ride with your friend or one of your parents or siblings, listening to music or chatting about your day or even about what you're craving to eat. I dare each of you to not let the world pass you by while your head is looking down at your phone. Live a little...without your phone. 

Just because our worlds are becoming so tech-y doesn't mean we should lose sight of everything around us.

Thoughts?