When Not To Submit To Technology

I just finished watching the movie "Seven Pounds" starring Will Smith. If you have not seen it, it will touch your heart. The storyline is about a man who believes he killed seven innocent people in a car accident. This devastated him so much that he vowed that he was going to do everything he could, and I mean literally, to give seven other people opportunities to live better lives. The fact of the matter was that the main character, "Ben", was indeed responsible for the deaths of the seven innocent victims. It was not a malicious act, and it was not due to Ben being under the influence of drugs or alcohol; Ben caused this accident by not paying attention to the road while driving, instead he paid attention to his mobile phone to read a message.


I have to wonder how many of us are guilty of being distracted by our cell phones and pda's while driving instead of what is most important at that time and that is paying attention to the road and the others driving on the road with us. Today's fact-paced world is so driven by technology and it is also so crammed with "tasks", that most of the population seem to think we need every moment possible to stay connected and to communicate with the world around us. REALLY?? Well now if the time to reevaluate and prioritize what is most important in our lives.


You are probably saying to yourself "I know you are right, but I know I can maintain control". Well then my friends, ask yourself the following questions:


Is my life worth the risk of getting into an accident and allowing a multi-ton vehicle crush me or harm others?


Better yet, are the lives of my spouse and kids worth the risk just so I can "communicate" with others?


Is my life so consumed with "work" that I cannot spare the time I need to concentrate on what's important especially while driving a vehicle?


As the new year approaches, we need to reevaluate how we prioritize our busy lives. We must reconsider how we can set good examples for others and do the right thing: concentrate on driving while driving; don't submit to technology and allow yourself to text, email, or even take phone calls while driving. It just is not safe and is highly dangerous!


Instead of enslaving yourself to your cell phone, try some other, safer ideas while driving. Parents, drive time is a great time for quality one on one time with your kids. Talk about school events, world events, or really anything - your kids will love the attention. Secondly, use your drive time, if you are by yourself, to de-stress. I know of some friends who use their drive time as "alone time" to practice breathing exercises and other stress relieving, mind relaxing exercises. (Remember to stay focused while driving!) Personally I like to use my drive time as time to reorganize my thoughts and sometimes reevaluate my day. Actually I think we also need to remember that driving a vehicle is a privilege and should not be taken lightly.

Bottom line, my family deserves my utmost love and care. And preventing myself from utilizing my cell phone, especially for texting and email checking is now a top priority. Won't you join me?