20/03/2026
I found myself on my walk today questioning why I had headphones in. Why was I listening to an audiobook when the sounds of birds singing, bumblebees flying, and the wind gently ruffling the leaves are utterly joyful?
The irony isn’t lost on me that I’m currently writing this on my phone, using a picture I took on my phone while listening to music from it, and waiting for the timer to go off for what I hope will be an edible dinner 🤞
How often do we find ourselves about to send a message to friends we’ve sent 94,659 memes to, but realise we don’t really know how they’re doing? Instead, we chuckle at something else someone has sent us. Then suddenly, an hour has passed—and that time hasn’t really amounted to anything.
Something I’ve done for a while now is keep my phone on Do Not Disturb, with notifications turned off. Firstly, why are we always accessible!?Secondly, it means I have to be more intentional, rather than being told to drop everything because a notification demands my attention.
No, I’m not suggesting we should go back to calling on a landline and arranging to meet friends after an awkward chat with their parents. We all know that won’t happen… unless all the computer robots go on strike on the same day (no, I don’t understand how any of it works).
My point is: instead of mindlessly losing connection and time, why not choose to make it more meaningful? Force your friends to meet in person. See how they’re doing, rather than interpreting memes as a reflection of their mental state. Listen to those magnificent birds calling to each other, the squelch of mud under your boots, and do things that light you up with joy.
Have intentional no-phone time, where you can lose yourself in what you’re doing without rude interruptions telling you that someone you knew ten years ago has posted a new picture (if you liked them, you’d still see them in person!).
Maybe it just starts with taking our headphones out…