tried setting a step-goal on my smartwatch yesterday. It buzzed at 2:00 PM to tell me I’d been stationary for too long and needed to “get moving.”
I looked at the watch, looked down at my sleeping dog, and then looked at my cup of tea.
I decided the watch was wrong. Some afternoons aren’t meant for 10,000 steps—they’re meant for two biscuits, a quiet view out the window, and letting your mind wander back to the days when we didn’t need a wrist gadget to tell us we were alive.
We used to measure our days by the record player finishing an album, the streetlights coming on, or the sound of the kettle coming to a roll. Now everything wants us to rush.
So, I took the watch off and put it in a drawer. The dog didn’t complain, the tea tasted better, and my peace of mind stayed right where it belonged.
Sometimes the best progress you can make in a day is simply sitting still and appreciating how far you’ve come.
What’s one modern gadget you’ve given up on, or what’s your absolute favorite way to slow down these days? I’d love to hear how everyone spends their quiet afternoons! @over50schat
I’ve never had a smart watch or a smart phone and have no idea how many steps I do a day
I just live my life the way I want to not the way somebody else thinks I should
I cannot think of any modern gadgets I have given up but I spend my quiet afternoons with a good book a cup of tea (no dog or biscuits) enjoying my comfy, warm home
I suppose that the car is the major thing given up was the car. I had a problem with my eyes but I got that fixed with new eyes. But the the covid came along so we avoided anywhere. And a few other medical issus. But what I won’t give up is the computer.
Not really a gadget person - i have a smart phone and wouldn’t give it up, i find it very useful.
The only thing i gave up recently, was the air fryer i thought i needed, because everyone else seemed to have one.
Would you call it a gadget? I don’t know, but its back in its box in the loft!
There is a lot to be said for keeping things simple and living on your own terms. A quiet afternoon with a good book, tea, and a warm home sounds like absolute bliss!
New eyes and a good computer sound like a winning combination! It’s amazing how essential a PC is for keeping in touch, reading, and passing the time comfortably.
