And a light bulb went off...

About two weeks ago I lost my very expensive iPhone4... much to my original dismay I have since realized that it was a blessing. Sure I had to spend $750 to replace it (luckily work helped me out with that one) and it was a nuisance not being able to instantly contact people when the mood hit me. But, for the first time in weeks I did whatever I wanted on the weekend. I paid more attention to the things surrounding me.

The light bulb moments:

- How often am I talking to someone and they pull out a mobile phone to contact someone else? How does that reflect on our conversation, is the person on the other end of the phone more important? Why don’t I value the face to face time that I get with people, in the scheme of things it really isn’t that much time.

- When do I need to know about things? Is it as they happen? Does that actually increase my happiness? I am better served taking a portion of my day to get updated on the on goings of the world and to participate and be present more throughout the day.

- Learn to say “no” more. If I don’t attend everything it is okay... if I decide that I want a night at home, that is okay too! If something is important enough, someone will tell me.

- Do it without a soundtrack.... this one is really hard! I love music, it makes me incredibly happy. It can change my mood, make my day, motivate me to push myself, or distract me from reality. But maybe more reality isn’t such a bad thing. When I don’t have my headphones in I talk to more people and step outside my bubble. I am probably more polite (even though I am a firm believer in talking out headphones when in enclosed environments and when dealing with customer service people).

So what am I going to change? I am not going to listen to my iPod at least one or two days a week when out and about in city. I am going to be more present when hanging out with people in person. I am going to set aside time to “catch up on news/events.” And I am going to lower people’s expectations of electronic communication.

Wish me luck.

Off to a good start...

It was a pretty perfect start to the new year... good friends, drinks, staying in a house looking out at the ocean... I had a glorious couple of days lounging on Bowen Island. I think it may be one of my favourite places in the world. There is a set of rocks at the bottom of my friend’s property that are out above the ocean and sitting there is one of the most calming feelings. I don’t think I could ever live away from the ocean.

I have no resolutions. I still have my list of 28 things to do in my 28th year... which I will post once the list has made it to 28.

I’m back at work... it feels like I was never on vacation. I start class next week for one of my social media courses, I am taking three in Jan-Feb. I have no excuse to pig out anymore... which is good and bad. It’s time to simmer down so I can continue to fit into my clothes.

It’s currently snowing in Vancouver... I kinda hope I see people using their umbrellas to deal with it... that cracks me up. I will take photos if I can.

Happy New Year!