What Would You Give Up?

The hike was great. It gave me time to think. As I started out, I paused, wondering if I should go back to get my cell phone in case something happened. I decided against the cell phone, decided to risk it. Then I kind of laughed at myself. What did people do before cell phones? They just hiked. Then I got to thinking about modern conveniences and which ones were really necessary. Which ones could I give up? The TV? Sure, that would actually be easy, we don't watch much tv in my house. My car? (no, not my SUV, I don't have an SUV). That might be more difficult, especially because I live in Corning and work in Elmira. Although we do try to walk places as much as possible. Living in Corning makes that easier. My computer? That would be the most difficult for me. I rely on it, especially for work. Email is my preferred method of communication.

How about that cell phone? Could I give it up? For me the answer would be a resounding YES! I use mine a lot, but I find myself more and more looking back fondly to the days when no one had them. I have been noticing lately how cell phones make us more in touch yet somehow less close. I cringe when I see people sitting at the dinner table with their family, in a movie theater, or at sporting events supposedly watching their kids, or on a walk with the kids and the dog, with their cell phones attached to their ears. Seeing those instances makes me sad. Times when we used to be able to focus on the people that were PRESENT, right there with us, are now broken up by cell phone calls and text messaging. I have been guilty of one or two of those cell phone infractions in the past, but I have made a vow recently to be more sensitive to when I get on the phone and where I bring it. I don't need it most places. I do need to be there for my family, with my attention on what is really important. What could you give up and how do you think it would change your life for the better?