Even I must admit that cell phones are a convenient new technology that has transformed and connected the world in ways we could never imagine. When driving alone, I am comforted by the notion of having immediate access to 911 if something were to happen. But there is one glaring drawback to this welcome resource. We have lost patience and no longer have the comfort of drowning out the world. Cell phones have almost become addictive.
Now, when someone wants to reach me, they expect to. Many moons ago–pre-cell phones–one would have to wait until their friend, co-worker or loved one arrived at their destination. There is a current expectation that I should be available whenever anyone calls. There are no longer moments of quiet during a car ride, or on vacation. Someone, somewhere, must call to share their urgent information.
Although I welcome the convenience of a cell phone, I long for the days when moments of peace were par for the course. It was a given that in certain situations, I was unreachable. The stress level of most people in the world has risen at an alarming rate. Could it be because we no longer have our moments of silence? With no voices jabbering away in our ear about things we’d rather deal with tomorrow, or next week? Could it be that we are too reachable?
I’ve recently changed my cell phone number and have decided to take back my unreachable status, allowing only the most important people in my life to have access to me. My list of cell phone contacts has gone from about 30 to 5. Not knowing that the rest of the world is vying for my time is comforting. All I need to know, which does not involve the health and welfare of my immediate family members and friends, can wait for another day.
PDF 
if you liked that, then you'll like these:
Yes, I bowl. Don't laugh. It is actually a rather interesting game. Ok, so ...
The night was cool. Stars speckled the sky in various formations, giving s...
Why have some of us gone away from writing by hand? For me, there is someth...
Hello…Hello…? Pittershawn? Ah, you’re in! I just want to compliment you on your blog–very bice. Your words are mellifluous, your message clear. I’ll visit again real soon.
Best wishes,
Tim (Stellbread)
[Reply to this comment]
Hey Pittershawn
I must be getting old because I cannot stand how intrusive people are with their cells. I mean loud ringtones, that are sometimes offenseive.
I am so disgusted with hearing two-way conversations, loud talking, answering phones at inappropriate times. I was at a funeral and someone answered their phone went into the hall and you still heard her. At church, folks sneaking on the phone. I mean dang can’t you turn it off for a few hours?
I can go on and on. But I believe next to rudeness and lying, inappropriate cell usage is my next pet peeve.
[Reply to this comment]
I love cells. I hate em too. I mean, its great to get that information real quick. Where I begin to hate it, is sales calls on the cellphone. Or text messages that are intrusive, not importnat, almost like spamming on the cell. I don’t want to over hear folks personal stuff on it either. I try to be very respectful when using mine’s in public. I often find there are two ways to look at the celly, it’s necessary that can be “evil”. I appreciated your words on the subject. take care and new year blessings!
[Reply to this comment]
that’s pretty silly.
why sign off of life?
[Reply to this comment]
One may see it as signing off of life, but I see it as reclaiming life. As stated, it is not a total release of technology, but taking control of how technology rules our lives.
I think we can pull away from the overuse of technology without “signing off” of life–to interpret how one addresses how much people interfere with their lives (and making changes accordingly) as negative, to me, is not reasonable and not a signing off of life. I think that term is far too strong when merely talking about taking control.
[Reply to this comment]
If we’re now defining “life” as being accessible by cellphone, we’re in deep doo. On the other hand, how deeply entrenched in life are we, if we call ourselves “Anonymous”?
[Reply to this comment]
You and I are on the same page, Pat. Absolutely baffling.
[Reply to this comment]
Pittershawn you know you are my soul sista.
How is it signing off from life? I want to know from the poster who said that. LOL. Shoot it is reclaiming life with all these gadgets and machines taking over our space, lives, time, and mind.
I gotta say many folks have such narrow-minded thinking. I have had people trip because I don’t and never had cable. For one I am cheap (I would rather buy books, music, or DVDs). Also, I love reading more than watching cable. Cable can be addicting.
Anyway, it seems when you are not on the current band wagon, ie keeping up with the Joneses, you are criticized. LOL. Who says you have let someone else invade your time and space. I mean the Earth been in existence all this time without cell phones, what’s a measelly couple of decades of the invention. LOL.
I know I am on my soapbox but I find it funny how folks trip out on your preferences. I like to read and I have been called nerdy and weird. WTH! So reading words is bad? LOL.
Gurlll!! I could go on but I get you. I hope you got my gist
[Reply to this comment]
Hey there Pittershawn,
I enjoy cell phones strictly for my personal benefit in private. Not to be talking on them outloud in the libraries or other public places where it interferes with other persons. I don’t give out my number to everyone so my phone does not ring often. And I only operate by cell, no landline at this time.
When I see all of the young folks and their cells walking up and down the boulevard, I know that they are doing it just for show. On the bus as well, teenagers even want them. Sometimes, I even know some teens here who even pretend their talking when they need a phone card.
[Reply to this comment]
Speak truth to ligh Pittershawn. I have a cell phone but I rarely use it. I don’t need or want to be that connected all the time. I love giving people a chance to miss me. LOL “Signing off from life”? Sounds like someone needs to get a life! Happy New Year Sis!
[Reply to this comment]
I spent some time in a shelter almost ten years ago, where my location could not be shared with anyone, not even family. It was refreshing, to be…invisible. I hate it when my phone rings now, even though like you, I have illiminated tons of people that had a place in my life.
FACESITTER
[Reply to this comment]
Facesitter:
Sometimes letting go of the world is the only way to truly find yourself. Some days, I wish I could be invisible, if only for a year.
[Reply to this comment]
Wow. Cell phones get more attention than sexy foods? Ha.
Just wanted to share my observation about ring tones. I noticed that more and more people have stopped using the musical tones, and that the ‘telephone ringing’ tone is making a comeback. I myself, have never favored the special tones.
Once, when my cell phone rang, in public, my regular phone ringing tone garnered several appreciative glances. It was like, “Hmm. A phone that sounds like a phone. Pretty cool.”
Whatever.
[Reply to this comment]
@FACESITTER, I long to be invisible for just a moment. Maybe a year.
)
.-= pittershawn´s last blog ..photo: a hawk enslaved =-.
[Reply to this comment]