Have you ever experienced a day without technology? No phone, no internet, no social media, not even an ipod…The thought of it is just horrifying, isn’t it? Our lives are so consumed with technology, we live and breathe it, as it is literally all around us.

Is it possible? Most people won’t think so. I think nearly impossible. Technology has become an essential part of my daily routine, both integrated in my personal and professional life. Never have I thought I would go without it. Well, that is, until recently when I spent one full day disconnected from technology.

The experience of doing away without my iPhone, iPad, laptop and all platforms of social media was an in interesting reflection of my self and my surroundings.

When you strip people of technology, you see what’s left.

On a normal day, every morning the first thing that I do is turn on Pandora, my Goldfrapp station on default to wake me up while I make coffee and breakfast. Sometimes the beat to their song is strong enough to make me reminisce and feel like I’m walking down a fashion runway. A very “I’m fabulous, yes I woke up like this,” attitude. This particular morning, I could not listen to Pandora so it was dead silent and I can actually hear birds chirping. I felt a bit more tired although I appreciated the silence, so I decided to do yoga for about 45 minutes hoping it would wake me up. Not only did I feel refreshed, I felt more focused and energized. Note to self- I really should go back to doing yoga again. It was a wonderful start of a loooong day without technology.

Throughout the day there were a few temptations to look at my phone or turn on my iPad and laptop. I haven’t checked my email, and it made me nervous about what I was missing out on at work. It was my day off, but I do love my job and I like to check in here and there. Also, it made me wonder if I received any emails for a flash sale on a new pair of red pumps for HauteLook or Ideeli. I was also curious at how many hits my fashion blog had the day before, whether or not there are any offers for my Kate Spade wallet on Ebay and PM, what my sisters and brother are up to on IG, etc….But I needed to take my mind off of my phone and Apps that I frequent. What better way than by reading an actual magazine! I picked up a copy of my recent Vogue, Elle Décor and House Beautiful magazines and read…. for a couple of hours. And then…..

I had become a bit stir-crazy and began experiencing technology withdrawals.  So I took a drive out to Ala Moana, where I haven’t been in forever. All I can say is, oh, lucky we live in Hawaii! Where else in the world could you live and work in paradise? It was a beautiful day, so beautiful it felt surreal. I been so out of touch with nature and where I am that I forgot I live in one of the biggest tourist destinations on Earth. People pay to come here. I live here!

The remainder of the day was spent reconnecting with my creativity as I made jewelry for a friend’s bridal party and a tulle skirt for a toddler’s first birthday. My inner domestic goddess was summoned as I did laundry and cleaned. Per Bronson’s request, I made his now favorite short ribs taco for dinner. Because of this, he totally agreed I should be off technology much more often!

Overall the day seemed longer and I did so many more things than if I had stayed home and tweaked online or on my phone. I was more focused and attentive to things that I could do, not see onscreen.

Lesson learned – For the first time ever, I disconnected from technology. Also, for the first time in a very long time, I was able to reconnect with my self and live in the now. Sometimes life can get so overwhelming that we forget to live in the moment.

Yes, technology is part of our generation, but its intricacy can be superficial stuff. Without technology to rely on, it made me more dependent on myself and my capabilities.

My suggestion? Once in a while, unplug yourself from the complexity of technology and take a moment to look at life through your own lens of simplicity.

Because sometimes simplicity is bliss.