January 25, 2026 – Getting Off My Phone

My #OneWord2026 is manifesting in wonderful ways. What does it mean to PRACTICE? I love changing my one-word into an inquiry question or guiding question. Last week, I was really doubting the power of this word and was very tempted to change my one-word for 2026. Luckily, the blogging process changed my mind again, and thus, I’m really committed to this word. As I reflect on this week and take-action in enacting wellness and self-care, I was so wowed by the idea of taking care of myself as part of my productivity and happiness.

Yesterday, I went for a day trip to Vancouver to visit my family (and get a massage). Despite a billion things happening in the background, I went to the Lower Mainland on “be a person” day. A guilt-free day to do what fills me up as a person. It could be chores, watching TV, doing errands, travel, or doing nothing. My flight was a 6am out of Prince George then my return flight was at 6pm out of Vancouver. In that time, I walked 17,528 steps, visited the ocean with my sister, went to the THE BOSS RESTAURANT with my brother and sister, went for a 90-minute massage, then had dim sum with my brother, sister, and dad. We took my dad after dim sum to get his hair cut and then dropped him off home. It’s important for me to visit him from time to time. We even visited my mom at the cemetery. Afterwards, my sister, brother, and I went to Costco Business in Richmond. My brother bought a Dyson, then dropped my sister off at a SkyTrain Station to return home, then me to the airport to fly back home. It was a great trip and for most of the time, I was on my phone to take pictures.

Today, I started the day leaving my phone in my bedroom and starting the day without my phone with me at all times. IT WAS AMAZING. I got so much done. After being away for the day on Saturday and after a week of work, I spent the day cleaning up, freshening up the cat station/location, and vacuuming. I was putting things away and getting life in order. It felt great and I was productive. Things that needed to get done, got done. I did the dishes, made dinner tonight, and took out the garbage and recycling. I felt very grounded and shocked how good I felt. I then proceeded to pick up my computer (and phone) to blog, and the quick decline and habitual behaviours quickly emerged. UGH. I got caught in the trap of games, reels, and emails. Nothing was getting done. I was frustrated.

So, I’ve deleted all of the games on my phone. After working on the PowerPoint for tomorrow’s classes, I made a few emails and prepped some forms as well. I am back to blogging in the middle of the night with the aspiration of charging my phone in the washroom. I had wanted to talk about the amazing feeling of being disconnected from my phone, but what I am realizing is, I need to PRACTICE disconnecting, so that I can reconnect to life, self, and my friends and family. I am also going to re-watch this video below soon after I complete this blog post:

I believe this to be true and tried before a couple of times, but obviously I could not sustain it. After today, I’m convinced. I loved just “being a person” and not having to spend any time on a game or video. I did have the TV on today but I feel that’s more background noise (and not as addictive). Anyway, I will practice not being on my phone as much because there are so many ways to connect with others, with place, and with the land. I loved being by the ocean and being with my family. It was a good reminder of what I want out of life… and why.