I lost my I-Phone with over 10,000 photos, 300 videos, a month worth of Journal entrees and hundreds of music recordings. My phone was my “prized possession” on the race because of these things. I was at the lake having a one-on-one sitting on the edge of the rocks when I turned around lost my balance, caught myself but dropped my phone. The abrupt shock turned into sadness fast.
I ignored my weekly notifications for buying more I-cloud space for 38 weeks … as the waves crashed into the rocks I was in a total panic. I still miss my photos and throughout the week I’ve realized other messages and things, which won’t be recovered.
Six months into the race, I relied more on photos for journaling my experience. I know some of this sounds dramatic, but I realized how much security I relied on a material during my race.
Losing my phone has been a difficult lesson, but overtime it’s become more bittersweet. It’s amazing how these things absorb so much of my day. For example: Not checking my calendar when I’m homesick to see how much time has passed, having to worry how charged my phone is or needed to check if there’s wifi.
I’ll focus less on … Instagram and less time on Facebook, which will force me to be more present not having a phone. Being present is something that is a constant battle to fight for, on the race and back home.
It’s pretty common to think about life after the race. Ironically, one thing I was preparing to give up was my smart phone. It would be healthy being more present and care less about social media. One thing I’ve learned is that God doesn’t wait for His plan to fit into ours. Even through it was a difficult lesson; God holds a better reason.
For my friends and family back home over the holidays – Please put down your phones, and enjoy each other’s company!
Merry Christmas,
Matt
Advice if you do choose to bring a phone on the race:
1) Have your photos backed up.
2) Keep your phone away from water…
3) Be old school, don’t think your cool just journaling on your phone.
