So, how did yesterday go? Well, I documented everything, not on my phone, but in a Loot Crate edition Field Notes pocket notebook. I picked it because I have been utilizing it for the last several months to take notes because, once again, I read that if you want to improve your writing you must write all the time, even if it is just jotting down a note, reminder, idea, to-do list, etc., just as long as you write. I have taken that advice to heart, and have written a lot in that little grey notebook. I also carry my black matte Fisher Shuttle pen because it is small and can fit in my pockets along with my notebook.

Here’s what I have found from limiting myself to just the bare minimum on my phone:

  • 12:33 pm: I didn’t think about this ahead of time and was stuck with the watch face and apps on my Fitbit Versa because there is not an online app or watch face gallery on Fitbit’s website to change anything. I am stuck with what is on there for now. At least it is the basics, and there is nothing I needed on the watch that was going to be an issue. What was a problem was finding out that to sync the Fitbit Versa online, since I took the app away from me for a week, I had to download an app to complete that task, and then find out that I had to turn off the Bluetooth on the phone, so I could sync to the computer. Cumbersome, but doable for a week.
  • 12:52 pm: I realized that Facebook still pushed notifications from the app even after I went into my System Settings and turned all notifications off except for what was on my main screen. I went to the website, and in the settings online, it told me I had no choice but to go to the app itself on the phone and manually turn off or change to emailing me notifications. I understand why, but it was frustrating that I had to go into the app itself and not just be able to do it on any platform.
  • 1:56 pm: I went through all of my photos in my Photos app and deleted any duplicate pictures and any pictures of beer cans or bottles that I didn’t think I really needed to keep. I think why there were so many was that the app that I was using was making copies as backups. In the process, I cleaned up a little over 2 GB of space on my phone. I was happy to see that I was able to minimize that space. There were photos dating back to 2014!
  • 2:55 pm: I came to the realization that it is not the size of space on the phone that is the problem, but what you end up using it for. I found myself swiping left, which takes me to all my widgets, and was scrolling through it. There was no purpose behind it, and once I caught myself, I quickly went back to the main screen and put the phone down.
  • 3:00 pm: Went to pick up my daughter, and instead of listenting to an audiobook or podcast like I would have before, I brought along Philip K. Dick’s “The Man In The High Castle” to read while I was waiting. Best 40 minutes of the day spent reading!

So, after that, I spent a few hours checking mail and seeing what I could find in the way of minimalistic smartphones on Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Here is what I found:

  • Runcible (probably the most unique looking one of the list!)
  • Zanco Smart-Pen (not really a phone. It’s a gadget that you use when you don’t want to have your phone out, but it shows that small design could possibly warrant a phone that size!)
  • RePhone Kit (DIY phone kit with 3G technology and you can make some pretty small phones!)

Most of the phones above were examples of small smartphones. The Light Phone 2 is my favorite because it is so minimalistic! The only thing is you would be giving up so much for having so little. The real question is, can you do it?

I’m also thinking to myself what can I do on top of writing that would push my mental juices. I may go to the store and pick up a crossword puzzle book or word search book so that when I am not reading, writing, checking mail, and being online, I could be strengthening my brain muscles with some word puzzles. It’s a thought, and I think it is a good idea.

UPDATE 5:43 am, 1-8-19: I decided to save some money and get on one of my color Kindles and download a free crossword game. When I found it extremely challenging, I downloaded a difficult word search app instead. I found that helpful to relax, and even my daughter joined in on the fun! (AND, before you ask why am I not getting rid of the extra Kindles I have and settling on the most updated is because I am not the only one in the family using it!) I was also on the computer doing menial stuff most of the evening, other than writing this post, and have decided to watch that more closely. Now back to the rest of my post.

UPDATE 7:33 am, 1-8-19: I just realized that the word search app that I downloaded yesterday onto the Kindle went against EVERYTHING that I am trying to accomplish. I am removing it from the main screen of the Kindle, and will only access it after this week is over. I am going to the store later today to pick up a prescription from my PCP and will buy a word search book from the rack. If I can’t use paper and pen, there is a problem.

I know I keep harping on this minimalism thing. Trust me. Minimalism is not a fad for me. It is something that I want as a way of life for me. I want to be able to focus more. I want to be able to get more things done. I want to do more. The only way I see that happening is if I start to look at life in a minimalistic light. So, understand that I am not trying to sell anyone on this. My online journal is so everyone reading can have an insight into the eyes of a madman. Okay, not a madman, but someone who struggles mentally and physically and wants to get better by any means necessary.

I guess if we were watching “Jackass”, my site would probably have some sort of “Don’t try this at home.” statement, so everyone knows that I know what I am doing and not expecting anyone to follow my lead.