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Sarah Wheeler's avatar

Thanks asha!! How do you set up a reminder to call instead of text? Like I would love if that just popped up after 5 exchanges or something. I know it's a tale as old as time but I am really feeling addicted to my phone rn!

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

I feel you, Sarah. I’ve created a list called “Calls” in my Reminders app and set up recurring to-do entries for each friend. Some folks repeat once a week, some once a month… it’s just a lightweight nudge to pick up the phone. At first, it felt weird to put my friends in a list like that, like, shouldn’t I just remember? But honestly, I’m out of the habit of calling! And people are in different time zones… Our expectations around phone calls have really changed over the years. Anyway, it helps! I’m finding that dealing with my phone addiction takes a multifaceted approach. It’s not straightforward.

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Sarah Wheeler's avatar

Oh wow, respect!

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Meagan Francis's avatar

"joyous inefficiency" is maybe my favorite new phrase...

Curious, what app blocker do you use? I've just been deleting apps when I don't want to use them, but I'm thinking there's probably a better way.

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

I use Freedom. There’s a free version, but I decided to pay for it (I had a nice discount code). I think I can give you a free 30 day pass from inside the app if that’s of interest.

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Christyna Lewis's avatar

I love your list of actions to take to bring a little bit of your Parisian experience into your day to day life.

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

Thanks, Christyna. I’ve been dancing around some of this stuff for a while but this trip has given me the push to commit.

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Janna Kimel's avatar

Thanks for so eloquently sharing what really moved you in europe. It's a Wonderful description of being present and in the world. I'm not sure what happened in America and why we're all so engrossed in our phones these days. I too love the idea of parallel play or being near people even if I'm not with them. I need to commit to working in a coffee shop or similar once a week to be around people

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

Working in a coffee shop! This used to be a regular part of my life, but that evaporated with the pandemic and I sort of forgot that was an option.. Maybe you and I should set up some co-working dates!

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Janna Kimel's avatar

Yes please! I miss having 2 screens...but I also miss people :-) Thanks for highlighting the importance of connection.

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Jenna Park's avatar

This trip sounds like everything! I've haven't taken a trip with a friend in more than 20 years (since kids!). Never the right time, never the right friends, and now some other circumstances in the mix, but hopefully someday. It reminded me that I used to get post-vacation depression so bad, but maybe because I'm older, at least for the first few weeks, my bed and home is such a relief. 😬

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Asha Dornfest's avatar

Travel with friends, so special, and also tricky to set up and commit to. You never know how you might travel with someone, even the closest of friends. Giyen and I joked that we'd finally get to see each others' secret lives (flossing, snoring, all the little weirdnesses travel brings up). As for coming home: I'm so glad to be home! Springtime in Portland...well, you know what that's like. And my bed feels extra comfortable.

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Liz Gumbinner's avatar

That not only makes me want to put down my phone, it makes me want to go to Paris immediately. Both are

challenges!

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Anonymousktvz's avatar

They should start printing "Joyous Inefficiency" on the OR license plates, next to the tree.

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Anonymousktvz's avatar

They should start printing "Joyous Inefficiency" on the OR license plates, next to the tree.

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Anonymousktvz's avatar

They should start printing "Joyous Inefficiency" on the OR license plates, next to the tree.

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Anonymousktvz's avatar

They should start printing "Joyous Inefficiency" on the OR license plates, next to the tree.

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