For the past three years, I have been using the app 1 Second Everyday to document little moments of college. One funny thing the app does as a reminder to capture your seconds is send quote notifications. Out of all the ones I have read over the years, the one quote that has truly stuck with me said “Be where your feet are.” It is so simple and has few words, but its application is currently so rare.
The discourse surrounding “kids these days and their phones” is nothing new and at this point is getting old. One can balance communication on phones with being truly present in his or her every day. It is so easy to get sucked into what other people are doing, or where they are, or who they are with, and this chase is exhausting. I do believe social media has some great upsides, and it really has become such a force in our lives. But it is too often a highlight reel. There have been improvements here and there regarding authenticity online, but it is still in no way accurate.
As I wrap up my first semester of junior year, I have done a decent amount of reflection and the nostalgia has crept in. These past few weeks I found myself pausing and being grateful for my community and friends; they are the family you choose – cheesy, yes I know, but I had to throw it in there. All experiences, good or bad, are so important. Life is not perfect, and it is not perfect for anyone no matter how it may seem or be presented to you on various platforms. I have personally been working on being mindful of my time spent on social media, and I would recommend this mindfulness to everyone. It is a great way to keep in touch with people you cannot see every day, but it should in no way dictate your life.
Take a picture because you are happy or want a keepsake not because you feel obligated to appear social. Appreciate where you are and who you are with; these moments can be fleeting. Living in the moments you are in provides the best possible memories because one day you may have to say some difficult good-byes.
Time flies, and speaking from current experience time is valuable. None of this is to say that progress or change is a bad thing, because it is inevitable; appreciating where you are leaves little room for regret. Put your phone face down on the table when out to dinner with friends; be where your feet are.