How to Make This the Summer of Missing Out

Yes I do have a smartphone, but it's a Windows phone (I switched to that from an iPhone 4 years ago and never looked back), so it's not addictive. Microsoft makes products that are for getting business done; it's not focused on addiction exploitation like Apple and Google are. I use my phone to get things done. I'm never glued to it like people with iPhones and Androids are. I've had both iPhones and Android phones in the past and they're awful. It's a real shame that people dissed Windows phones (my 5 year old phone has dual sim, 20 MP camera, facial recognition, cordless and super rapid charging, swappable battery, 256 GB additional memory card slot on top of the 64 GB internal storage, swappable backs - my current one is made with beautiful leather from Finland - so no need for clunky cases, unbreakable screens, I could go on and on..). People became obsessed with Apple and Android not because of the tech (which was inferior) but because of the addictive quality of them, which were intentional, and then made fun of Windows phone users, largely out of ignorance. Now the tables are turning as people realize they've been manipulated but sadly there weren't enough of us who saw the big picture to keep Windows phones in existence. I'm holding out hope for Microsoft's Andromeda because I DREAD having to go back to an iPhone or Android. I don't want to feel like I'm 13, which is what using either of those phones makes me feel like. I prefer being an adult.

I love that there is a catchy word for the way I live my life. I am 34 and I love all the time I have when I am unplugged from distractions. I don't do social media and I am happy. it feels so good reading a book and doing art- all things I wouldn't have time for if I didnt unplug. don't worry about what others think. they will adapt to your new rhythm and many will follow you too.

Since January I have made a conscious effort to be less available but specifically only say yes to things I really want to do. It is about setting boundaries and you can show people you care about them without constantly being available for every "crisis" that arises. Some people become insulted by this - those are not your people. Healthy individuals with interesting lives are also too wrapped up in their own day to day to become insulted if you reply later to an invitation.

I could add quite a few more conviences to the list; but I already stand out as an odd ball.

One of the joys of aging (I’m 64) is to recognize that what used to be important no longer is. There’s no obsession now with social media, no need to follow fleeting trends; the latest movie or fashion style or restaurant or celebrity is unimportant. There’s a sense of peace that comes with pulling back from the zeitgeist and spending the day reading a library book, taking a walk, and preparing a meal. JOMO is real, and its benefits can be achieved at any age if the desire is strong enough.