Gadgets. Devices. Hardware designed to make your life more convenient.

Gadgets are no longer garage-door openers or remote controls. The smartphone. The latest gadget. Everyone wants one. Everyone needs one.

Why?

I don’t know, to feel connected? To be part of a larger Cyberworld? No thanks.

I recently purchased a “flip phone” without internet and problematic texting. I’m good. It’s already too distracting, and people call too often.

A “landline” is the way to go, so leave a message.

Everywhere I go, people are looking down at a screen.

What’s so important that while crossing the street, you must view your screen?

Crosswalks are more like “crosshairs,” so you should be an alert pedestrian.

I hear too many people say, “I can’t live without my cell phone.”

Yes, you can.

You’ll breathe, eat, move, function without it because your body was designed that way. Mankind’s greatest achievements were accomplished without a smartphone.

I’m not stating, “Ban all cell phones,” they are essential for emergencies, communication, and for recording memories.

Yes, it’s better than a Polaroid and payphone (both did have more privacy), but must we be on all the time?

“I can’t function without my cell phone.” That sounds like addiction. You need it. You don’t need anything.

When using, you are in your own world. Similar to a “ball and chain,” you’ve enslaved yourself and you’re paying for it.

It makes no sense. It’s like throwing rocks at yourself.

Past addictions included tobacco and alcohol. Although used excessively, people socialized. They were practicing humanity.

Our Founding Fathers were supposedly “looped” when drafting the Constitution, and depending on your point of view, it was either very good, or improvement was needed.

But if they were staring at their screens and asking, “Who has a charger?” or “Follow me on Instagram,” the Constitution would only be partially written.

I understand the world has changed drastically. Heck! I’m only one hundred and fifty!

I’m just saying take a break. Too much of anything is bad for you (except making love).

Put down that gadget, go outdoors and take a walk.

Enjoy the splendor of life without digital distraction.

Without gadgets, we can search our “souls” instead of searching Google.

Life is full of unlimited discoveries. Your brain is a muscle. Exercise it and use it.

Do something. Do something else. Go outside and look up. You may discover something new. YOURSELF.