default.forget-your-phone (tech independence!)

Jay Dunkle
Sep 14
2 min read

“Has anyone seen my phone?” - me!

Years ago in college a couple of friends and myself were going for a ride on a bike trail. One of my friends, let’s call him Mike , forgot something in his car so he rode back quick and rejoined us. Upon returning to our parked cars, after our hour-or-so journey, we found his car door was OPEN and his keys were on top of his roof!!! We were frankly amazed that the car was still there and joked together that anyone walking by probably just figured it was a trap and left it alone!

Fast forward to this morning, 9.14.2025. I have no clue where my phone is! I recall using it last evening for music and streaming a BBC show on the TV for the family before writing in my journal and turning in for the night. I will say in the past 4-5 months I have forgotten my phone more often than I have since my very first cell phone that had a pull-out antenna and an “impressive” memory of 100 contacts, which I filled up and was very proud of! My mobile phone was always very near me and easily accessible and charged. It was important to a young college kid - my lifeline. Lately, as I have really delved into a default.life mindset and focused on journaling, being present for my family, and striving to be tech-independent, I have forgotten my phone and had to double-back to the house or office to grab it many times! Have I grown irresponsible over the past couple of months (not out of the realm of possibilities) or, like Mike, is my attention just focused on catching up with what’s actually important?

Our new habit when jumping into the car with my wife and/or kids, is posing the question, “does anyone have a phone?” and if anyone says ,“yes,” we go on our merry way! My challenge to you on this Sunday…share Mike’s mindset from all those years ago and focus on catching up with your friends and the people you love! Leave your phone in the dresser drawer…lose yourself in a book or journal…break out that card deck with only 48 cards because your daughter took all the queens, and play some games! Be tech-independent and enjoy the wonderful world around us!

So, just like our frisbee encourages: find adventure, breathe deeply and live your default.life!

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how many times have you forgotten your phone in the past couple of months?