GOING LIGHT: PART 1

I decided to get a Light Phone, and after many questions, I thought I’d share a bit about why.

Firstly, I want to say that I love the internet and technology. I’m not about to move to the country and start making jam - although that does sound pretty spectacular. I'm certainly not going anywhere. I love the incredible community discovered here and the connection Instagram has afforded me. I adore the internet’s magic: the way a tap connects me to brains in Brazil or Bolivia. And I have this magic in my pocket all day, every day. What could go wrong?

To start, I’m never bored anymore. I’ve always spoken about the superpower of boredom, like in this interview with The Creative Independent. In the last few years, I have felt my attention span slipping, and ideas seem further apart. Intuitively, and like many others, I know there is a shadow side to this magical pocket brick. I started reading books by Cal Newport (Deep Work) and Adam Alter (Irresistible). Finally! The science behind my discomfort. Cal talks about the brain taking the path of least resistance. It doesn’t like being bored, and the phone is an instant cure. Adam breaks down the many ways technology has neurological addictive effects and why. Did it change my behaviour? Abso-fucking-not.

My smartphone has its hooks in me. I’ve tried so many things. I got a cheap Nokia. Deleting social media in the week. Screentime restrictions. Putting my phone in black and white. In another room. In a box. Nothing helped. The pull to check messages, grab a ‘quick’ scroll, and see what’s new on that ‘selling the contents of my home’ website is always there. I don’t notice it until I pop out of the hypnosis and realise I’ve paused all my sewing/talking/typing/dareisayitdriving and I've slipped into a consumption coma. 30 minutes will easily pass, and I only remember the strange collection of porcelain terriers up for sale. Over and over again. I know I’m not alone in this. I see you.

When I saw Light Phone was releasing (this is not sponsored) a third edition that would work in South Africa, I jumped. Unlike the Nokia, which felt like a punishment, the Light Phone felt like an upgrade. Buying it presale while it was still in development meant I had a few months to wrap my head around untethering myself from my smartphone. During the months I had before the phone arrived, I was, honestly, terrified. I could not imagine a world without being available all the time. A quiet voice muttering 'You are going to be so lonely' loomed. What if my friends forgot me, or my work stalled without constant connectivity? Worst, if this phone arrived, and I couldn't bring myself to use it, not only would my dreams of being focused, daydreaming, and present again be crushed, but I would also be a phone failure. It would prove I have no willpower. A complete submissive to the screen.

When it finally arrived, the unboxing was a treat. The design is on point. The ethical considerations, such as eco-friendly packaging and future-proof hardware feel good in the hands and heart. This was a nice distraction from my fears. But once the novelty wears off, can I hold fast?

For years, I've mourned my slipping focus. Feeling overwhelmed and busy, yet so little is done at the end of the day. I have missed tinkering around the house and the creative endeavours that have been sparked by boredom. I love leaning into these creative moments and, with intention, sharing them online.

Now it’s here: my stripped-back, distraction-free sidekick. No more porcelain terrier rabbit holes. Just me, my attention span, and a stubborn hope that I can relearn how to be bored. I intend to use the internet - and not feel used by it —and maybe, just maybe, turn some boredom into something beautiful.

(Spoiler: It’s harder than it looks- and so rad. Part 2.)