Cell Phones....Do we need one?

My son who is 9 tells me "cell phones are useless". Somehow this is his version of reverse psychology because he really wants a phone.  I think it is hilarious. Some of his friends have cell phones. Some of them do not. His father and I have been discussing when to get him a phone, mostly at this point, so he can text a best friend who just moved away :(

This week, I dropped my cell phone and the screen shattered. Now, if this were the only problem, I would get the screen replaced and move on. However, my phone already has issues: no audio when video recording, power button ceased functioning so I must use accessibility button, and a battery that my husband replaced himself.

Phone shopping here I come! UGH  Walking into our local cellular phone store for me is akin to trying on jeans after I've been swimming. Dreadful! Cell phone stores, car dealerships, and lending companies. These businesses always feel like I'm in a shark tank. Pushy. Aggressive. Forcing me to purchase something I don't really want for more money than I actually wanted to spend.

Yesterday, I went to "look". Gratefully, I said this to the manager when I walked in and he allowed me to look around unencumbered and without a sales rep! Relief! I didn't quite decide what phone I would purchase because

1. There are too many choices
2. They all have great features
3. Most phone have HUGE screens now
4. 95% are ridiculously expensive

As a minimalist, I am struggling with this decision. I believe I have come to a decision. In this world of technology, I must have a cell phone. I have small children and my cell phone serves as my home phone. It's point of contact for teachers, school, emergencies, doctors, house services, friends, and family.

As much as I desire to step away from the "smart" tech world, it is easier to keep the same technology that I am already familiar with. What is that saying? Better to stick with the devil you know. Fortunately, they have recently released a new phone that is more affordable in price.

It will be exciting to start over with a new phone. I will have a clean slate (in a way) to add to. I plan to be much more intentional about what apps I add and how much I use this phone. My desire is to return to a state me using my phone as a tool, and not my phone consuming so much of my time that it becomes more like addiction.

Release Netflix and other streaming apps. Release Word games. Release miscellaneous apps that I never use. Clean slate. And now let's begin.