Technology Addiction?
UGH. I left my cell phone on my kitchen counter. This was not how I wanted to start my Monday. How would I share my brilliant random thoughts with my friends? How will I check to see how many activity minutes my dogs have today? How will I post clever and witty pictures on Instagram? What if somebody NEEDS me and I can't answer their text?
I know this seems like a silly issue, but as I sat in my office jonesing for just one tap on my phone, I realized I may have a problem.
Hello, my name is Cathy and I'm addicted to technology.
But as I continued to reflect on this issue (and I had plenty of time to reflect because I didn't have my phone to keep me occupied), I realized that it is possible that my addiction to technology is just some of my deeper issues coming out in a different way. Is it possible that I want to check on my dogs activity minutes because I have a tendency to worry about the people and things I love? I think about all the awful things that could happen when I'm not within them. (Like I can somehow control awful things from happening just by my mere presence.) I want to post on Instagram so I can then obsessively watch how many likes I have.....I"m sure this is in no way a manifestation of my insecurities or my desire to have people like me. There is no way that my habit of being available WHENEVER anybody needs anything has to do with my habit of wanting to "fix" things for people so they feel better, right?
Typically when we think of addiction, we think of drugs, alcohol, or maybe even food. These people are often relying on their addiction to escape their pain.But there are many other types of addictions that we never consider -- technology, tv, books, or even that obsessive need for just one more yoga class.
So my challenge to you is to really consider what your addiction is. And perhaps more importantly, what are you trying to escape or ignore with that addiction?
FYI, I went home to get my phone.... I couldn't take it anymore! But they say the first step to recovery is to admit you have a problem. Admission made! (Baby steps, people. Baby steps!)
Peace and Love
~ Cathy
