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Whitney Aguirre's avatar

I don't usually say that, but I felt led to! Blessings to you.

Emily E. Bennett's avatar

Interesting! So the analog experiment is stepping offline? Are you taking certain hours off? I totally resonate with the tension of finding creative outlets on here but also just retreating here whenever I get a spare second instead of slowing down and connecting offline.

Sarah Smith's avatar

Kind of yeah! I had pretty rigid rules in January but it became something that was more overwhelming and yet another thing I was trying to manage and so right now I’m just trying to implement certain tools like Screen Time limitations for myself or using the Brick. When I’m with my family, I don’t generally go on social media, but I do use my phone as a tool for a shared calendar with my husband and grocery list and stuff like that. So right now I don’t really have a lot of set rules or limitations as much as I’m trying to seek out things that can replace the sense of comfort and dopamine that the phone does if that makes sense. It’s kind of like when you are trying to lose weight or eat healthier, it’s better to look at what you can add to your meals instead of what you can take away. Instead of saying that you’re not gonna have bread or cookies anymore, think about the nutritious thing that you can add or fun ways to move your body instead of doing things that you don’t like. I’m finding that’s what works for me because I don’t have bandwidth in my life to try to adhere to even more self-imposed rules or checklist lol

Emily E. Bennett's avatar

Oh totally! That’s a great way to put it. I see my screen time number and I’m like, ok this week I’m just not going to look at my phone. Not really a great goal nor a realistic one because like you, I use my phone for weather, maps, information about events, etc. And of course by Wednesday I’m like, ok I’ve been “good” enough. What is the Brick?

Sarah Smith's avatar

Yes I totally get that! Brick is a device that can help “lock” apps from you!

Emily E. Bennett's avatar

Got it! Yes, sometimes the screen limitations make me just “ignore” the limit. Yikes. Something that actually locks me out would give me that boost I need.

Sarah Smith's avatar

Girl same! Another thing I’ve done is have a time limit, but then my husband has a code so I can’t really bypass it like that lol

Emily E. Bennett's avatar

Oh that’s a great idea!!

Whitney Aguirre's avatar

You are doing great, mama. Those revelations are gold, and anytime you see yourself a little clearer and reach for God, you grow deeper in your walk with Him.

Sarah Smith's avatar

Thank you so much. I really needed that