My rotary (home) phone did not cause me to be distracted with various posts, for its use was only for connections: to and from family and friends. But social media on my cell phone has wasted my time. The trouble is not with the phone but with me.
I’ve made many vows to control time with distractions on my phone, but I’ve broken those vows too numerous to count. I do attribute some time to mere entertainment coming from that convenient device in my hand. But time passes, and useful skills, such as my writing, diminish.
Recently, another avenue of distraction has caused me to waste time, but I rationalize its benefits. Surprisingly, it’s a new nightgown. I bought it because I needed winter sleepwear. My fascination is with its design: on a white background are cardinals, red berries, and grey twigs. The fabric is recycled polyester, but with the feel of velveteen. Some cardinals are slender and others are robust; all have black around the white eye, a red top-knot, and a faint yellow beak. The berries vary in number alongside the grey twigs and leaves – one, two, or three.
As I said, I look at this gown with fascination, noticing the variations. They remind me of my hobbies of coloring books and crossword puzzles. One connects with colors and the other with words to adequately describe what I see. So, I rationalize away this time, not as wasted but productive. I only post this about myself, for perhaps I’m not the only one who deals with distractions and wasted time on a phone (and a nightgown’s design ;-). Should all of life be serious without entertainment? But too much of a good thing can be wasteful. Do you agree?
Ann Coker 