Hi Friends!
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about technology and just how much it impacts my life.
I will be the first to tell you that I’m addicted to technology. More often than not, this is how you’ll find me during the day…at my computer with my iphone within arm’s reach.
And when I do break away from my computer, you can usually find me like this:
No matter what I’m doing, my phone is never far away. In fact, I send myself into full-on panic mode if I can’t find it. When I think about it, it’s a bit ridiculous. I’m old enough to have lived almost half my life without a cellphone, as well as a good portion without a computer. In today’s world, the thought of living without even one of those is almost unthinkable.
But here’s the thing: Without technology, I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing today.
I run my own business, with nothing more than my computer and my cellphone. I’m able to counsel The Lean Green Bean RD clients without need to be physically near them. I can help people develop healthy habits, plan menus, lose weight, learn how to meal prep no matter where they are. (Side note: If you or anyone you know needs help with any of those things, email me! I’d love to help.)
My office is my kitchen table. Technology allows me to work flexible hours. It allows me to work when I’m not at home or “in my office”. It allows my clients to get ahold of me quickly, no matter what day of the week it is or time of day it is.
Thanks to technology, I can log in to a website and see everything my clients have eaten in the past few days and give them feedback.
It also allows me to work remotely for another RD. I can get all of my assignments, projects and instructions via phone and email, complete the work and send it instantaneously for edits and approval.
Technology has opened me up to the blog world, which has changed my life.
I can write a blog post in Ohio and people all over the world can read it as soon as I hit publish. I can send a tweet and thousands of people can see it. I can even use websites like Buffer to schedule tweets in advance. Essentially, technology is tweeting for me even when I am not able to. I can take a photo in terrible, dark lighting and use PicMonkey on my computer or Snapseed & Instagram on my phone to make it look pretty:
Going beyond work, technology keeps me connected to loved ones. I haven’t lived in the same state as my extended family since I was 8 years old. I haven’t permanently lived in the same state as my immediate family members in 10 years, but technology makes it easy to keep in touch. Although I’m hundreds of miles away from many of my family and friends, they’re never more than a call, text or email away.
I can use Facebook and Twitter to keep up with things that are happening in their daily lives. I can Facetime with my hubby when he goes out of town on business trips. I can even track my friends running races to see where they are on a race course in real time.
When you think about it, technology is downright amazing. I am doing so much MORE because of technology…
….but I’m also doing LESS. And that’s not necessarily a good thing.
Alysa shared this video in one of her recent blog posts and it hits close to home for me, as I’m sure it does for a lot of people.
Look familiar? Thanks to technology, I’m doing less of the things I used to do when I was little. As much as I try to avoid it, this is often the scene from BOTH of us when we’re out to eat:
As a country:
- We’re doing less talking and more texting.
- We’re doing less reading and more watching tv.
- We’re doing less exercising and more sitting.
- We’re doing less sleeping and more work on our phones and computers.
- We’re doing less mindful eating and more mindless eating in front of the tv.
- We’re doing LESS DISCONNECTING…
All thanks to technology.
When people ask my opinion about all of the advances in technology …I find myself torn in my response.
I wouldn’t be able to do what I do today without the technology we have now. I wouldn’t be able to stay as connected to those far away. I wouldn’t have met all the wonderful friends I’ve made through blogging. I’m eternally grateful for everything that technology allows me to do…. But I also think that the technology we have now almost makes it too easy to be connected all the time…and sometimes that means we miss out on LIFE because we’re too worried about work, email, social media or documenting life.
So what does this all mean?
I’m not really sure. There’s no right answer here. This is just a reminder…to myself…and to all of you…that we should all be striving to find a balance between technology and life.
Enjoy technology and all of the amazing things it can do for you…but don’t forget to LIVE LIFE as well!
Go for a drive with the windows down and the radio blasting.
Send someone a package via snail mail
(please don’t mail your cat)
Read a book.
Do a project.
Get some exercise.
Enjoy some technology-free time together.
Then go check your email.
Because it’s all about balance, right?
Let’s chat:
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How does technology help you do more?
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Does it also cause you to do less?
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
PS. Interesting side note: I wrote this post yesterday afternoon. Last night we had friends over for dinner and I made an effort to use my phone less. I took it to the table to take a picture of my dinner and then planned on putting it away. But you know what? Because I was making an effort to be more focused and present, I legitimately forgot to take a picture of my dinner for the first time in ages!
I enjoy sharing photos of my meals with you guys and I’ll continue to do so…I’m just saying maybe it’s not such a bad thing to take the picture and then put the phone away for the rest of the meal 🙂
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Technology today is INSANE. My 2 year old knows how to use an iPad better than I do! There are good and bad things. I am pretty addicted to my phone, it’s bad. I have to , like you said, consciously make sure I put it away to be more present for family time. When I was blogging A LOT more on the fitness dish, it was becoming a little much, so I did take a step back and realized, I don’t need to document everything…I want to LIVE things more! It is fun to share with the interwebs and like-minded people all over the globe though, that is SUCH a cool aspect of technology! Lately though, I definitely prioritize present moments over technology and that’s ok with me 🙂
Oh, and my favorite thing is my Nook and being able to keep up with my nutrition/health book addicted and NOT take up any more space in my small condo, yay!
I have been trying to use my cellphone to learn more since I know that it is difficult to away with completely. I download audio books and podcasts about running, blogging, work so when I walk to work I’m able to focus more on just listening rather than tweeting, texting or reading (which is dangerous while walking!) I also love taking pictures of everything (I always have) and using my phone makes that really easy. But, I’m trying to take one photo to document and then put the phone down to enjoy the moment. I find myself taking 4 – 5 pictures of beer before I’m satisfied. Unnecessary!
that’s a great approach! there’s so much to lean out there, why not use technology to our advantage! great idea!
great post! itz definitely all about balance!! itz amazing how far technology has taken us, but itz also important to remember those REAL LIFE relationships!!
Great post! I too believe it’s important to unplug and connect in real life too! Balance, like Linz says, is important in all aspects of life 🙂
Great great post. It is so true that technology has enabled us to do absolutely amazing things–so amazing that we often take it for granted. But on the flip side, that video does completely resonate with me. I’m not excused from the “addicted to my phone” and wanting to capture every moment camp (I was the one who always carried a camera before they were installed in phones), but I do try to keep it away when I’m in the company of others.
This past weekend, I went out to the mountains with friends, and we were in the woods, on the lake, making campfires… and it was so nice that no one was distracted the whole time. While we were on the boat, everyone was ON THE BOAT and not elsewhere. Around the campfire, the only light came from the flames. It was so nice, and I’m trying to take a bit of that with me as I go.
sounds so wonderful! i love time in the mountains!
It is all about the balance. I feel grateful for technology too, for being able to keep in touch long distance with family and friends. But it is important not to center everything in life around technology and to take breaks from it. very well put 🙂
i totally agree!
I draw the line at meals. I absolutely detest when I am at dinner and become cognizant of that inevitable moment when the majority of the table is on our phones. It’s awful! Usually my friends and I realize this and snap right out of it but still!
yeah it’s sad how often that happens! we all need to work on that!
I avoided a smartphone for years but gave in last year. I have to purposely set it aside, which is very easy to do. It’s just becomes a habit to be constantly looking at it, and not really for anything all that productive. On the other hand, if technology and social media isn’t what it is, the Miles and Mutts program I coordinate really wouldn’t even exist, so yes, it’s good too! 🙂
Oh my gosh, I love this post. Because it’s something I struggle with EVERYDAY. I mean, quite literally, if they interest didn’t exist, my career wouldn’t exist (either of them, as a blogger or a web designer), but I also catch myself trying to document my life instead of living it CONSTANTLY. I’m trying really hard not to live the “pic or it didn’t happen” lifestyle, but it’s hard! It’s such a weird balance to strike, especially when you make your career out of documenting your life.
My current plan of attack is that I take technology “breaks” throughout the day. When I take my dog for a walk, I’ll leave my phone inside. Or if Craig and I are out working in the garden, the phone stays inside. Honestly, I was kinda forced to do it because my phone is getting up there in age and the battery life isn’t what it used to be, so it needs to be charged throughout the day, but the resulting habit has been something that I hope to keep even after I get a new battery-improved phone.
love the technology break idea! i do the same thing…i try to go outside and throw the ball for the dogs a couple times WITHOUT my phone and just enjoy the sunshine
I agree that there has to be some balance with it all…I think all of the amazing technology we have now is such a blessing – it allows for us to do so many things that weren’t possible years ago, and we literally have access to any knowledge we really need. But, if we’re not careful, it’s easy to let it be in control, and that’s obviously where it becomes a little more negative.
Such a thought-provoking post! I think technology helps me to work remotely from my office if I need to, it helps me see my family via facetime even though they live 10 hours away, and allows me to blog and share my tips and life experiences with a lot of my family and friends back home. It also interrupts my life (like you said…even out to eat me and my hubby will sometimes both be on our phone). We actually just had a convo about this on Sunday about how we are going to be more conscious to put down our phone and close our computers to spend more quality time together at night before bed. Just being more aware and conscious of not being glued to your phone is so important, I think!
totally agree! awesome that you guys talked about it!
I love this post for so many reasons. I love how when you look at the world through the eyes of your pet, things become really apparent.
Sometimes I wonder what the long term effects of being “plugged in” are going to be. Our brains are literally firing stuff off every minute of the waking day.
At the beginning of summer we started not only unplugging during dinner, but forcing ourselves to sit at the kitchen table (not in front of the TV). It’s incredible what actually connecting in real life can do for your relationship.
Thanks for the great post!!
awesome! we need to implement the no phones at the table rule as well!
I just started a PhD program that is trying to use technology to improve health and wellness. As a Registered Dietitian and avid technology user, is there anything you have seen that needs improving or could be improved by technology? I’m curious to hear your thoughts.
i love all the developments they’ve made to make it easier to track your food intake with apps and scanners, etc. I think any advances they can continue to make in that area would be great because it might encourage more people to track their intake, pay attention and educate themselves about what they’re eating!
I 100% relate to this post!!! I am trying to be more engaged and develop relationships through social media but at the same time, I don’t want it to consume my life! I created a little challenge for myself to find recipes out of cook books (1 per week!) rather than online or pinterest. It has been fun and a GREAT reminder of how much I LOVE reading cook books 🙂 Thanks for posting this!
love that challenge! i need to get out some of my cookbooks!
I do think I’m pretty aware of how much I use technology. I only let myself use it during meals to take pics, otherwise I put it away. And everyday I make sure I read a book, magazine, take a bike ride, or go for a walk. But I also have to check my email and read blogs everyday! Balance!
awesome! love that you make the effort every day!
awesome post! It most definitely is about balance and something I really need to work on. I, too, am like your picture at dinner. I sometimes miss things that go on around me because I’m consumed in some form of technology (computer, phone, ipad, etc.) This post reminded me that I need to work harder at disconnecting and finding a happy balance with technology and thoroughly living life!
good luck! i’ll be doing the same!
The technology in today’s world is truly an amazing thing! Ever since I started my blog, I’ve found myself using it more and more. I’ve become so dependent on technology that if I don’t have access to it, I kind of get in a panic too. It definitely is all about balance. Although, I love technology, I do find that I need to disconnect more often and do other things.
me too! blogging makes it a lot easier to get sucked into technology for hours on end!
Such an important thing to talk about! I think you hit the nail on the head. Since entering the blogging world, I have become much more technology driven. I want to photograph, instagram, tweet so much more. I love the online-blogging-community but it is certainly a tricky balance with the face-to-face community. I’m on the fence. But I know that like most things, this is a work in progress.
yep, finding a balance of life with blogging is a constant struggle/takes a lot of trial and error!
Awesome post. I find myself trying to be concious of this lately because I find myself addicted to all things technology. I try to hide my phone when I’m with friends or having dinner with the hubs but it can still be so tempting just ti check every once in a while. A work in progress I guess.
gotta start somewhere! i’ve been making the same effort!
This post is so true. It’s astonishing when someone DOESN’T have their phone on them at all times and have it out. I dated this guy and he NEVER had his phone out in my presence and I thought it was one of the weirdest, and kindest, things someone can do in this day and age. It’s sad for me to type that sentence out, but it’s true. We don’t take enough time to disconnect and REALLY connect with the people in our presence.
definitely. it’s becoming a lost art. that’s awesome that he did that!
I can totally relate to this, technology has really opened doors for me and my business, and I’ve obviously met so many amazing people through blogging/online. It made long-distance relationships slightly easier and exploring unfamiliar places a lot easier!
However, I have tried to set certain boundaries for myself. For example, I never pull out my phone when I’m out to dinner with others. I turn off my computer and phone by 9 (this doesn’t always happen but it’s the goal haha). And on weekends I try to unplug as much as possible. It’s tough though and I’m definitely addicted to technology!
i think those are great boundaries! i need to work on setting some up for myself!
I’m also attached to my iPhone. I try to put it all away about an hour before bed and on weekend mornings. I make an effort to just take my coffee, a magazine, and my pets out on the back deck on Saturday morning and just enjoy being outside. It takes a lot of effort to strike that balance!
those are all great ideas!
Great post – I think about this kind of thing a lot. I use technology almost constantly (even while working out lots of days!) and I love the convenience it provides. At the same time, I try to be completely present when I’m interacting with others (especially my kids) – hard sometimes because I want to multi-task but I also want them to know they are more important than any email, blog, or whatever. The balance thing is a constant struggle for me!
you’re definitely not the only one who struggles!
LOVE this Linds! All great points, and I couldn’t agree more. I, too, love my technology, but I’ve realized that just like with everything else in life, balance is key! Yes, it absolutely has its good parts, but it can be bad if we over use it.
Technology has helped me in areas such as being able to taking distance ed courses (along with my on campus ones) which has allowed me more time with my baby and less time in the classroom. As a new mom, that is definitely a perk of technology!!
that is DEFINITELY a perk!
This is a great topic. I say all the time that I can’t keep up with twitter because it’s just too much. I also make an effort to be off my phone AND the computer after I blog in the evening. As a family, we’ve declared that our “no iphone, ipad, or imac time”. And it’s my favorite part of the day. 🙂
love it!!
I love this post because it’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately, too. Technology is how I do what I do, and how I make my living, but I don’t like the overwhelming “everyone is connected to each other all the time… but disconnected in real life” type thing it creates. When I’m hanging out with friends, I really try to put the phone away, and to disconnect from social media when I can. It’s a tough balance – I’m worried about how it will affect kids who grow up in this totally tech savvy culture. No one learns how to FOCUS and be present anymore.
i agree…i think current and future generations are going to have a tough time ever living without technology or even cutting back, since they’re exposed to it at such a young age.
You BETTER BELIEVE I am addicted to technology just as much as you are! IF NOT MORE! My offer is my living room/which connects to the kitchen! I have a stand up desk because I AM SO OFTEN ON MY COMPUTER! I would highly recommend it to you as well, all the pain in my back I used to feel when I would sit in front of my computer as dissipated! And I don’t feel so guilty standing as opposed to SITTING 😀
I love this post and its honesty. This topic is something that I think about often. At times I want to put leave my phone at home and then I think that I won’t be able to snap pictures for my blog. It’s so true that technology allows us to do SO much, and I wouldn’t be where I am today in terms of blogging without the Internet or my smart phone. Yet, there is so much distraction that technology causes that I miss out on some special moments!
i’ve been there too! I try to make myself remember that things still do happen even if i don’t take a picture!
Great post! Yes, I am so grateful for technology but I do need to unplug in the Mountains occasionally :).
Technology has definitely helped me do more. I just started grad school and a lot of my classes integrate online quizzes and assignments so more time in classroom is spent on the subject and lectures. It has also helped me stay in touch easier with those I care about. And of course it has helped me to reach some personal goals by starting a blog and documenting my journey.
I do notice that I do some things less. Like reading books which I used to do all the time. And spending less time outside except when I exercise. Having a balance is definitely a necessity!
it was definitely important for me when i was back in school as well!
Oh man, I love this post. That video was so scary.. because it’s so true! I had family come to visit and at one point my brothers and my mom were all on their phone while we were waiting for food to arrive. It’s sad that it’s now “weird” to have parents that ban phones from the dinner table… makes me appreciate my own childhood. I’m going to make it my goal to unplug for a few hours every day and spend that time getting outside or seeing friends. (and maybe posting a pic of the baked goods I made the next day instead…balance right?)
Thanks for the reminder Lindsay!
haha i agree. photo posting can often wait until the next day even if we feel like we have to do it that instant!
this was reason #1 I thought of Monday Monthly Mailers – check it out! It gets back to ‘pre technology’ stone age of mailing letters 🙂
We have made a ‘no phones at the table’ rule, with the exception of my meal pictures 🙂
love it! might try that here as well.
Yes! This perspective on technology is spot on. While cellphones and computers allow us to do amazing things, it’s important to remember all the amazing things we can do without them. I try to take small steps to find that balance. Recently I took Facebook off of my phone and to my surprise I don’t really miss it. In fact, I visit the site less when I’m on the computer. I’ve found it’s given me the ability to put my phone down more (no need to scroll through my newsfeed every 5 minutes) and it helps me focus more on the people in my life at the present time. It’s a little thing, but it’s certainly helped.
i think that’s an awesome idea!
Great post! I feel the same way. Obviously I use technology a lot the same way you do. Sometimes I can stress myself out though feeling like a live on social media and feel bad if I didn’t share enough on twitter. I’ve been trying to unplug after 9 so I can spend quality time with my boyfriend.
that’s great that you’re making that effort!
I’m definitely guilty of being to dependent on technology. I’ve been trying to make an effort to stay off of my phone when I am with my husband or friends but it is HARD!! I’m also constantly on my husband to stay off his phone while we are out at dinner, which probably makes me sound like a hypocrite.
GREAT post! I, too, have noticed a change in the way life is lived now as to compared to when I was younger. I get so frustrated when I see people I’m with on their phones when we’re at dinner or out to lunch–I make it a point to ask/tell them to put the phone away. And I see such a difference in today’s students–unable to spell correctly, handwrite much, etc. It’s sad, really. But, then again, I wouldn’t be able to be a freelance writer and do what I do without it.
yep…it’s a tough balance. i’m sure it’s having a huge impact on today’s students, like you said. sometimes i think about how much different college is now for the freshmen starting this year than it was for me 10 years ago.
I just watched that video today!! When it ended, I think I literally said, “oh dear…”
Yeah, definitely need a little hiatus from the ol’ iPhone.
I am on the same boat as you – without technology I would not be where I am today in many aspects. I always have a hard time disconnecting myself from technology esp instagram and facebook. I have been trying to be little bit more conscious about it lately though.
I love how your fur babies are in the picture with you while using your technology! This is generally the scene in my house with my little fur baby & me too. Great post, very thought provoking.
Great post!
I saw something somewhere on the interwebs that everyone puts their cell phone in the middle of the table if you’re out to dinner with friends and the first to reach for it during your meal pays the bill.
We like to schedule “adventure dates” once a week, which typically involves hiking and then finding some place new to eat on Yelp to enjoy a lunch or dinner out. We use the phone simply for tracking (GPS) but don’t turn on the music or anything else so we can just enjoy our natural surroundings.
i’ve seen that too! i think it’s a brilliant idea with the phones on the table. And i love the adventure date idea!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post! I am so with you – it is a juggling act & we have to find the balance & make sure we enjoy both ends of the spectrum – thank you! So similar to what I was going to write – mine not till September due to other obligations. 🙂
Liberating, right? I found myself hooked to technology way too much last year, and have since then made a valiant effort to disconnect. Actually, Nick has forced me to do so. He gets mad when I’m on the phone all the time, and I do’t blame him. We need our time, and we don’t get that when I’m always engaged in Instagram and twitter and blogging!
Great post Lindsay. You’ve come very far with your career in a very short time, and you have so many great years ahead…imagine the possibilties!! But of course, it’s good that you are trying to let go, just a bit more.
Thanks so much, Gina!
Great post!!:) I totally agree with you and couldn’t work without technology either, but sometimes I look at the clock, realizing most of the day was spent in front of a computer or my cell phone. My kitchen table is my stand up desk( buffet table) and I’m so grateful to work at home and help people, but like you said, sometimes we need a break!:) I think this was an important post to write, thank you for sharing as I type this on my smartphone now lol:)
I love this post! I’ve been thinking so much about what strikes a balance and figuring when I’m doing to much on the computer/phone. Glad to know that someone else is thinking the same thoughts!
you’re definitely not alone!
LOVED this. So on point for what we struggle with today. I really need to take FB and Pinterest off my phone–there really is no need.
that would probably be a good first step for a lot of people!
Perfectly said! I often find myself torn right down the middle. Once I noticed my obsession (the first step is admitting you have a problem, right?) I made an effort to tone it down a notch when I’m around people I love. So if I’m out to dinner, I try my hardest only to text in emergencies. I love getting to know people and having deep conversations and it’s nearly impossible when we’re both refreshing our newsfeed all the time! Even my parents do it! It’s all about balance and finding a way to embrace technology but know when too much is too much.
yep! i’m seeing it more in my parents as well. I think it affects all generations.
What a great post! So so so true!!
Ah! So much truth in this post! It is really sad how technology-something that was a great discovery in our history-has become something so bad and unhealthy, yet could be so beneficial! Especially in the younger generation that I am in, we are constantly bombarded by technology. It is crazy how addicted some people are to it! We all need a lesson in unplugging.
i agree. it’s kinda scary to think about the younger generation that’s literally been using technology since they were 1-2 years old!
What a great post! Technology definitely helps me do MORE, but I’ve gotten so that it’s really hard for me to just do nothing … it drives my husband crazy when we’re sitting on the couch watching TV and I’m scrolling through Twitter or something like that. If we’re doing an activity, I’m totally fine with turning off all the technology, but just SITTING there is hard!
i agree! i do the same thing! if i’m being active i can put it away but i’ve i’m just trying to stare at the tv i get so bored
Good stuff Linds! Yes, Technology not only helps me work from home, gives me an outlet to write, but has also brought me to people like you, who I consider a very good friend. Blogging is the new Pen Pal. I feel fortunate that we’ve met face to face, though. On the flip side, it can also can bring depression, when I am so stressed out about getting posts in, commenting and tweeting that I ignore my family, then I know it’s time to step away, they come first. It also creates a kind of false intimacy, we as humans need connection and if we do all of “connecting” online and never have face to face contact with someone, it brings us down, for me at least.
This is a great post. I try to not constantly document everything but then I feel my blog is lacking the picture department. I like to think it is for the best though. I want to live it…in the moment.